When I first realized that it would be necessary for the gym to physically close due to COVID-19 I immediately started to think about how I could best support the WILCOX Community if we were unable to be together in person. 

Zoom was an obvious consideration right away, but it was hard to imagine what personal training would look like in a virtual space, where the trainers are unable to make physical contact to assist in corrections of movement, and where we'd be distanced from each other with a screen between us.

​I continue to find the opportunities that our current situation provides to us each day.  Although COVID-19 has created a great deal of hardship and devastation for so many, I continue to look for and find the small blessings that also exist.  I think it's important to find the balance....the yin and yang...in our current situation, otherwise we may just go mad.  I am so fortunate to have an incredible community of people who truly have my back during a time that is so terrifying for so many business

where needed, ensuring that everyone is supported and feeling confident throughout their entire Live Stream Training Session.

Sure, we aren't using equipment, and at first this felt it would create a major set back, but in fact, it has created yet another opportunity!

All of our Live Stream training sessions are designed to utilize body weight only.  There is a lot to be said for body weight movements.  Not only is it convenient for the purposes of working out at home and in a small space where some equipment isn't practical, we've also found that focusing on body weight movements provides us with a unique opportunity to truly connect with our bodies.

In the absence of equipment we must look to our own bodies to create the resistance.  In doing so we need to really tune into which muscles are being used, and through engagement of those muscles create the resistance and the challenge that we would normally rely upon a weight to create.  

Additionally, in the absence of equipment we are free of distraction.  As a result we are able to focus more on how our bodies are moving. ​

There is no greater satisfaction than hearing about how the movements that we practice in the gym benefited the way that a person moves when doing work around the house, during a run, hike or other sport, or when playing with pets or children. Helping people make these connections with their body is what ​we do! Our whole mission is focused around enabling people to live their best lives free of limitations, and learning how to move our bodies effectively is a big part of what we do.  So you can imagine how excited we were to realize that the perceived limitation of having to work in a virtual setting was actually a benefit.

That's why we are offering STRONGER @ HOME, an opportunity for you to
join us for a Live Stream Training Session...for FREE.  
​
​These training sessions are specifically for members of our community who are looking for a way to get active from home....all with the support of a LIVE personal trainer!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How much space do I need?
A:  You can make do with very little space.  If you can clear out a 4' x 4' space you'll have enough room, but even smaller spaces can work.  The more space you have between you and your camera the better since the trainers will be able to view more of your body, but we're able to work with you and your space to make it work.

Q: Do I need to have equipment?
A:  All of the training sessions are designed to use only our body weight.  You don't need to have any weights to get a lot out of your training experience.

Q:  My kids are home from school and may cause interruptions or noise.  Is this going to cause a problem?
A:  Not at all!  We are able to mute you if necessary, so any noise won't be a problem at all.  If you need to step away to tend to your children that's okay too. We understand that there's a lot going on right now and many people have their kids around.  We are honored to be invited into your home and enjoy meeting your pets & kids :-)

Q:  I haven't exercised in a very long time.  Is this right for me?
A:  We will meet you where you are during the training session.  The trainers will provide you with individualized coaching and support to make sure you know how to do each movement.  If a movement is too difficult an alternative way of doing the exercise will be offered.  We strongly encourage all participants to rest.  It's important to listen to your body and rest no matter how far along you are in your fitness journey.  When you're working hard you'll need to rest.  This is simply a sign that you're working to your fullest potential and that's a good thing!  Celebrate your need to rest!  Take the time you need and then get back to the movement.

Q:  If I have weights can I use them?
A:  If you want to use weights you can certainly use them, however, you may be surprised how you can take your workout to the next level by setting the weights aside for the time being.  Consider challenging yourself to connect with your body in the absence of weights.  

Q:  I'm a seasoned gym goer.  I'm not sure that I'll get a lot out of a training session that is in this format and where weights aren't being used.  Am I really going to get a solid, challenging workout?
A:  A body weight workout can be very challenging.  When we don't have weights and equipment to work with we have an amazing opportunity to really connect with our bodies.  We will coach you to engage your muscles and help you feel how your muscles are working through each movement.  This kind of focus will help you bring your training to the next level.  Connecting with our bodies in this way will help you be even more prepared to pick those weights up again once you get back to the gym!

Q:  Can I play music while I workout?
A:  Absolutely!  Feel free to have some music playing in the background.  We provide some Spotify playlists that you can download to help to inspire you :-) Click the Getting Started link below and you'll see the playlists listed there.

Q:  I'm not very tech savvy and not sure I can get Zoom to work.
A:  The technology is very user friendly.  We have a "getting started" page with a lot of info that should help you get started.  You can view it by clicking the button below.  I'm also more than happy to get onto a call with you in advance to the training session that you want to attend.  During this call I can help you download zoom, log into a training session, and position your camera so that it's ready to go!  This way you don't have to worry about a thing at the time of your session.  Shoot me an email and we will plan a time to connect that is convenient for you. 
​You can email me at [email protected]

I've been a bit absent from my blog writing over the past few weeks as I've navigated through the "new normal" that we are all facing with COVID-19 entering our lives.  I feel like I've found a new routine, and that has been a good thing.  I'm excited to start "talking" with you again through my blog posts and hope that you'll share in your story too.

From the onset I've been trying to find the good in everything that is going on.  It seems that many of us are focusing on the simple things in life and finding gratitude in things that we may have taken for granted just a few weeks ago, and I've enjoyed hearing those stories.

Lesson #3:  Only I can choose how I respond to the situation around me. ​

You have to start somewhere....and remember....don't let perfect get in the way of done.  If you have thought about meditating, but like me struggle to make it happen, start with practicing some simple breathing techniques throughout the day.  The breath work that I've been doing is outlined in our amazing "Unplug" Resource Guide.  I'm including it here for YOU and I hope that it will provide you with some tips that will help you get started, or to build upon your existing practices.  Taking the time to take care of ourselves is so important!  Remember - in the event of an emergency you have to secure your own oxygen mask first, and then assist others.  ​If you're not already taking the importance of taking care of YOU seriously then I encourage you to start today.  Even if for just 5 minutes.  Maybe tomorrow you can find 10 minutes and before long this will be a part of your daily routine.

We will find our way through this, and we'll all take away our own lessons.  I'm hopeful that many of us will have the opportunity to learn some valuable lessons, take the opportunity to practice some new positive behaviors and really make these behaviors a habit in our lives - in how we interact with others, how we give ourselves grace and care for ourselves, and how we respond to the circumstances around us.  And that these lessons will carry through, long after this crisis is over - Making us a kinder, more patient, more genuine society. 

​We cannot concern ourselves with whether or not others take the opportunity to learn and practice these lessons.  We can only control our CHOICE in looking for these lessons and taking the opportunity to become a better version of ourselves as a result.  I hope that you will join me in making this choice.  

I would love to hear from you too!  What lessons are you learning these days?  How are you working on being a better version of yourself?

Lots of Love,

​Allison