Established in 2008, Fighting Fit is a specialist fitness and martial arts gym based in Manchester city centre, priding itself on its high-quality coaches and programmes, cultivating a community that cares about its members.
With Britain now facing its second lockdown, one main difference is clear, how will we look to stay active and motivated during the colder months?
Winter is a season that sees our workout habits and motivations change. As the nights begin to arrive sooner, and commonly before the working day is over, it is the most difficult time of the year to safely exercise outside. Winter weather makes things even less appealing, and for many, it is simply not feasible to find either the equipment or the space required to properly exercise at home.
More importantly, public health is of greater import than it has ever been, from both a physical and mental perspective. Housebound and isolated, the ability to exert ourselves, release energy and relieve stress is not just important, but essential. Similarly, the ability to step away from the same four walls and into a safe, sanitised and socially distant community is hugely beneficial. Perhaps most importantly, the less healthy we are, the more susceptible we will be to illness.
Due to lockdown, Fighting Fit will once again face closure, but remains resilient and has adapted to the measures imposed, serving their fitness community in different ways. The gym will immediately be moving to online coaching, with live classes available everyday apart from Sunday, for those that are able to do so at home.
“We are absolutely devastated to be closing our doors again. We had hoped that the government had begun to recognise the importance of fitness in dealing with Covid19 and indeed many other illnesses. It is now well documented that obesity and Type 2 diabetes place you at significant risk from this virus.
As it is now autumn, mornings and nights are darker and the weather is cold and rainy, it’s less likely that people will manage to get outside to exercise. Gyms, sports clubs and other exercise facilities should be seen as an essential part of day to day life. If this attitude was promoted by the government, we might be able to develop a healthier population. As it is, being confined to your home for weeks at a time means poor physical and mental health.”
(Jay Cahill, owner of Fighting Fit)
Fighting Fit believes that metabolic health is key to maintaining health and fitness, especially during the lockdown, creating a routine in the unknown and adopting new lifestyle choices that will make all the difference. From creating a set bedtime and wake time, partaking in online workouts and stepping outside during daylight for a walk, light jog or run.
With the government bypassing the importance of gyms and fitness centres during Britain’s second lockdown, Fighting Fit urges people to take matters into their own hands and look to create a routine and continue to keep up their level of fitness which could prove crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Make a daily schedule that includes time for exercise and share it with someone who will hold you accountable. You could even reciprocate the support for them and that way, you can stay disciplined together and keep each other motivated.”
(Martyn Cahill, Co-Founder of Fighting Fit)
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