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What’s working out (and not) at the gym this year

By Jacquelyn McNaughton

To say that the past two years have been a challenge is an understatement. While both emotionally exhausting and extremely isolating, this pandemic has pushed us to the edge and forced us to adapt. As a result, many of us have discovered new and safer ways of socializing, though we still may feel disconnected.

Our favorite social outlet that includes the benefits of both stress relief and endorphin rushes — the gym — has experienced drastic changes as a result of the pandemic. For many, including myself, the gym is a place to sweat and work on one’s physical wellbeing; however, it’s not only a place to overcome physical challenges and discover a sense of empowerment but also a place to socialize and feel a sense of community.

Countless studies have shown that exercise leads to decreased stress levels, anxiety and depression, as well as better sleep, cognitive performance, and increased self esteem. Unfortunately due to social distancing guidelines, mask mandates, and forced shutdowns, many gyms have become ghost towns with decreased attendance and very little social interaction.

For many, mental and emotional health has suffered tremendously. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) about 4 in 10 US adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, up from one in ten in 2019. A KFF Health Tracking Poll found that many adults are noticing other negative impacts on their mental well-being such as difficulty sleeping (36 percent), increases in alcohol and substance abuse (12 percent), and worsening of chronic conditions (12 percent) due to stress from the pandemic.

Humans are social creatures and we need social interaction and a sense of community to thrive. Favorite outlets for these social cravings See SOCIAL, Page 12