We all know that regular exercise is crucial for both mind and body. Never has this been more important. As New Jersey’s 9 million residents digest Governor Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home order to “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus outbreak, they must also take steps to ensure they—and their children and other family members—stay active. It is proven that moderate-intensity exercise improves immune function and increases the body’s ability to fight infection.
Fortunately, many of New Jersey’s gyms and health clubs have risen to the challenge, offering digital classes to new and existing members. Some content is free, while some is offered at standard membership rates. Digital meeting platforms like Zoom or Google Meet allow trainers to provide real-time, individualized instruction to class participants, while classes posted on Instagram and Facebook require athletes to mind their own form.
People often find CrossFit and other workouts with weights intimidating, but this may be a perfect time to get to know a local gym. Gym owners assume a lack of fitness equipment at home, so workouts posted online require only a single dumbbell or kettlebell, not the barbells and plates that often scare newcomers, and are scalable for all fitness and ability levels.
CrossFit Hamilton is posting daily workouts on Instagram and Facebook. The Training Room is offering live classes on YouTube Live, free for the next two weeks, then $10 per month; classes will remain free for high school athletes. CrossFit Morristown is offering online programming for members, but also has a free kids and family class on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Mission Fitness, Guerrilla Fitness and S3R are also offering classes via Zoom for regular membership fees. Visit websites and social media for more information.
The four workouts listed below are free to both members and non-members.
CrossFit 908
Four free, 45-minute classes each day, Monday through Friday, and two each on Saturday and Sunday, are live-streamed through Zoom. They also provide 30-minute classes for kids Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 pm. “All you need to work out is a single dumbbell,” says coach and owner Erin Carroll. “We will give substitutions for each movement for those who need modifications based on equipment or ability.” Zoom meeting information is on their website.
CrossFit Full Dimension
Full Dimension is live-streaming four free classes each day Monday through Friday, and one class on Saturday morning, also through Zoom. Coach and owner Rick Buro says only one dumbbell or kettlebell is needed for the workouts, but says gallon jugs of water or laundry detergent work just as well.
Brazen Athletics
Brazen has started a YouTube channel featuring daily workout videos with movement descriptions and scalable options. There are also yoga classes, mobility drills, mediations and breathing exercises.
Black House Strength and Conditioning
Black House posts live workouts on Instagram; if athletes miss the live sessions, content is archived on their YouTube channel for later use. “We give an explanation of the workout, stretching and a full class,” says coach and owner Jason Schroeder. “We just want to help people.”
If yoga or Pilates are more your speed, or if you’re a strength athlete looking for a way to break up your newfound time at home, many New Jersey yoga and Pilates studios are offering a full schedule of digital classes at a variety of price points, starting with free.
Corefire Pilates
Corefire is offering six, 35-minute live-streamed Pilates-inspired classes on Zoom each day—link provided upon signup—along with a daily guided meditation and happy hour with a live DJ on Instagram Live. Try three sessions for free before committing to a membership, or just utilize free, taped classes posted on Corefire’s Facebook page. “The situation is constantly changing,” says Corefire cofounder Angela McCaffrey. “We’re just trying to provide as much as we can to both members and non-members.” Visit the website or email [email protected] for more information.
Luna Soul and Bowl
Luna Soul is streaming two classes daily, a one-hour class at 10 am for adults and a 45-minute class for kids at 2 pm, for just $5 each. Sign up in advance here and they’ll send a link to the live-stream in Google Meet. “We are also an acai shop,” points out owner and yoga teacher Nicole Crudele. “We are still open for takeout daily!”
Yoga Mechanics
Because they believe that seeing and being seen is a big part of the human interaction we all crave, owners Omni and Darryl Ferrara are offering a full schedule of 60-minute classes via Zoom, all available for regular class fees. Teachers make a point of checking in on students and will give personalized instruction. They have also archived five, 50-minute pre-recorded classes that are available as a set for $25 and can be taken over and over again. Email [email protected] for sign-ups.
Powerflow Yoga
Powerflow is streaming seven classes per day, including power and yin yoga, at regular class prices via Zoom. New members may purchase unlimited classes for one week for $39 and two weeks for $69, or pay a $15 drop-in per class. A link to the Zoom meeting is provided upon sign-up.
Fitness enthusiasts everywhere, or those who are just trying to be more enthusiastic about fitness, can also take advantage of online fitness programming provided by national brands. Nike’s Run Club app is always free, and offers guided runs while tracking your pace, distance, elevation and heart rate. Nike also has a partnership with Headspace to provide guided running meditations. Peloton, which streams live and on-demand workouts for high-end bikes and treadmills, also offers outdoor running and walking, strength training, stretching and yoga classes. Their app is now free for 90 days. Beachbody, whose programs have helped people get in shape for nearly two decades, and Alo Moves, which provides online yoga classes, are both offering a free, 14-day trial.