Toronto’s gym rat have endured a difficult COVID-19.

The gyms they loved closed, and then reopened with new social distance measures. They suddenly had to book an appointment in order to exercise, and the lunchtime slots were more sought after than Book of Mormon tickets. Just as people were getting used to these new measures, gyms closed.

This emotional rollercoaster is more likely to make one sick than the Yukon Striker. It’s likely not over yet. Gyms will probably open and close again before things return to normal.

You can prepare yourself for the worst until then.

Build an Affordable Home Gym

We don’t fault you if you haven’t purchased a set of weights yet. Home fitness equipment is hard to come by and expensive. Canada has seen home equipment sales increase by 500%, but you’ll be hard-pressed in finding dumbbells or kettlebells in retail stores. Peloton bikes can cost up to a few thousand bucks.

Prices for used equipment have risen dramatically on websites like Kijiji. Before the pandemic you may have been able pick up free weights. People now know what they are worth and they hold them hostage.

You have two options if you want to increase or maintain your strength. First, you can try bodyweight exercises. These may be a little strange and require some getting used too. If they work for Navy Seals then they will work for you.

You can also use quality elastic resistance bands. These bands are easy to store, effective, cheap, and widely available. Weights can take up a lot of space. These can be stored in a small drawer.

Look Into Body Contouring

Cosmetic plastic surgeons have been very busy in Toronto over the past few months due to the so-called Quarantine 15. The entire industry is experiencing a mini boom.

New restrictions have allowed most plastic surgery clinics to stay open during the lockdown.

They must limit the number in the clinic. Your pre- and post-op appointments will be conducted via teleconference. If someone drives you to clinic, then they cannot wait in the waiting area.

Do Not Just ‘Wait to See’

You might be playing the Wait and See game, hoping that the gyms will soon reopen. The COVID experience taught us that we don’t know what the future will bring and shouldn’t expect anything.

Stop waiting until gyms reopen before you start working out again. You’ll have to work harder to get in shape the longer you wait. You have no idea just how far this light at end of tunnel may be.