Fitness, But in a Pandemic

Chris Kowalski stands looking over a lake. Picture courtesy of Chris Kowalski.

Since the beginning of the pandemic people have been struggling to find ways to focus on their fitness. Gyms are shut down or have varying levels of restrictions, money is tight so it’s hard to eat healthy and so on.

Personal Training and Fitness Coach Chris Kowalski has used the pandemic as an opportunity to help others. Rather than charging huge fees he makes many of his programs free and even makes motivational posts throughout the week.

“It made it easier for everyone to slack off on their goals since everyone else is,” Kowalski said “It’s easy to pick up some junk food because ‘everyone is in this situation’ and ‘it’s easy and cheap’. But the reality is, this will be over sometime. Maybe a month, maybe a week, maybe a year, but it will be over.”

Certified by the National Council on Strength & Fitness, Kowalski said rather than focusing on the negatives in fitness training during the positives he’s turned to the positives. He said he talks to his clients a lot about how many opportunities there are right in the house.

Since many workplaces shut down — especially at the beginning of the pandemic — people have a bit more time on their hands. They don’t have commute times and tend to have more time during their lunch break.

“I tell everyone this is the perfect time to start focusing on yourself. Instead of watching Netflix during a lunch break I tell my people to go for a walk, do some yoga or even lift some weights. All you need is 15 minutes.”

The 22-year-old trainer also has launched a handful of two-week long training intensives. He gets a group of about 20 people with similar goals, plans out their work outs and keeps them accountable.

Kowalski said his most successful client started as someone who was in one of his training programs, but now is a full time client.

“I think he lost like 10 pounds in the first two weeks and now he’s absolutely shredded,” Kowalski said. “That’s my favorite part, seeing my clients reach their goals.”

The St. Louis native makes sure to meet clients where they are at. He uses platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook to really engage with people.

Kowalski said with everything going on in the world it’s easy to get lose in the “uncontrollables” or things you can’t control. He said one thing you can control is yourself.

“Why not make yourself better? That doesn’t have to be working out. It can be focusing on your mental health, eating better, whatever. Wellness is wellness and no matter what kind it helps you overall.”