Adapting Exercise to the “New Normal”

By Erin Peters

With COVID-19 cases still on the rise in the United States, our guidelines in Oregon are constantly evolving. How you work, grocery shop, see friends and family, and how you exercise probably looks pretty different than it did five months ago. We have to adapt to the “new normal,” and understand that these guidelines are being put in place to keep everyone healthy, and keep businesses up and running.  

Fifth grade teacher, Susie Harris, mountain biking with her daughter at Falls Creek Falls.

New Guidelines

By now you have probably heard about the new guidelines for Oregon that were announced two weeks ago. Amongst other things, face-coverings are now required in gyms and studios for the duration of the workout. They are also required outdoors if a six-foot distance cannot be maintained. This means putting your mask on when you cross paths with another person outside. I know it is not ideal, and we would much rather be free of masks, but have you tried it yet? Participants at Level Up, Gorge Athletic Club, and Flow Yoga Barre and Fitness in The Dalles who were interviewed said that wearing masks during a workout was not as bad as they thought! According to all 3 facilities, these members felt slightly claustrophobic for the first few minutes of their workout, and then they were able to ignore the fact that the mask was even there. If wearing a mask during a workout is still not for you after you try it, remember that facilities in town offer a variety of online options that you can do from home. Or you can take advantage of other outdoor options in the gorge! 

DanceFit at the Gorge Athletic Club in The Dalles… With masks on at a safe distance!

Indoor Activities with New Guidelines 

Ever since the new guidelines came out for Oregon, gyms and studios all over town have been continuing to take extreme caution. Not only are masks required at all times, (before, during, and after workouts) but staff are being extra cautious to wipe down all surfaces regularly, set up hand-washing stations, and create a flow through buildings to minimize the number of people in weight or cardio rooms. Group fitness class sizes are being cut down, each person has designated space, and equipment is not being shared. 

Participants at Flow Yoga Barre and Fitness, taking a barre class at a safe distance

 Before you go to any gym, studio, or workout facility, please check out their safety guidelines so you know what is expected when you work out. Remember that all of these guidelines are put in place for your health. If an employee reminds you about one or more of these guidelines, please try to remember that they are trying to keep everyone safe, and keep their business running in our community. 

Level Up participants warming up for a killer workout, in their space, with masks

Outdoor Recreation with New Guidelines

Here in the gorge, we are SO lucky to have the options that we do when it comes to outdoor recreation. Before you start something new, do your research, start slow, and acknowledge that you won’t be perfect the first few times you try something! The activities that you love may have slightly changed, so make sure you are up to date on the new guidelines.

Percy enjoying views at the top of Wind Mountain

If mountain or road biking peaks your interest, make sure to give lots of space between riders. Everyone is at a different level in their biking abilities, so make sure to be aware. If you are on a multi-use trail, be on the lookout for hikers. A general rule on two-directional trails is always yield to the biker going uphill. If you are hiking or biking on a two-directional trail and see a biker coming up, safely step out of the way, put on your mask, and allow them to pass. Download TrailForks on your phone to find trails near you! This app will also show the trail’s difficulty level. Try to go at less-busy times to avoid overcrowding.

Cassandra enjoying a day on the Klickitat River with her paddle board

 We have had quite the hot spell recently in the gorge, and getting out on the water is a great way to cool off. Paddle boarding, windsurfing and kite boarding are common water sports along the Columbia River. Head down to Big Winds, or the Hood River riverfront for equipment rentals or lessons. You can also take your paddleboard, kayak, or inner tube on smaller bodies of water, such as the Klickitat River or Lost Lake. Pack some sunscreen, water, and don’t forget your mask for when you cross paths with other enthusiasts.
Even though masks are required, continue to keep a six-foot distance.