If you're anything like me, your weekly fitness classes are a huge part of your routine. They keep me fit, healthy, and sane. Honestly, these classes help my mental health stay in tip-top shape just as much as they help my physical health.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, gyms and fitness studios are facing temporary closure. Yes, this means my personal routine is thrown a curveball, but this also means the wellness industry is one of many that is looking at unemployment and hardship. Do I miss my Monday spin class? Of course. But do the wellness professionals whose worlds were flipped upside down have a lot more to overcome than a slight change of routine? Absolutely. Thankfully, if anyone can prove the ultimate flexibility, it's the wellness industry.
I'm talking to wellness professionals to learn how COVID-19 has impacted their lives, as well as how they're adjusting how they teach to make quarantine a little healthier for all of us. Today, I chatted with Taylor Dabbah, a Flywheel spin instructor in Chicago.
What do you teach?
I teach indoor cycling at Flywheel Chicago. I've been there for four years.
Why did you start teaching?
I started riding in college, during a time when I felt a lot of uncertainty in who I was and what I wanted to do and be. I still feel that way sometimes, but the stadium is somewhere I feel comfortable in my body and energized by those around me. I always wanted to be able to give that back to others. I also grew up dancing, and riding to the beat hit home for me.
What do you love most about teaching?
The people. Period. Even in the midst of quarantine and what we're all going through with the state of our country, it makes me truly hopeful to be "surrounded" by such a warm and positive network.
What is the current state of your studio?
Our studios have closed but we hope to reopen as soon as we can. I am teaching two live, virtual classes a week on Zoom to keep the energy and sweat flowing with our community of riders and to be able to give to charities and organizations in need at this time.
What virtual classes are you offering? How can people find those classes?
I am offering two 45-minute cycling classes a week (Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings). The best way to find those classes is to send me a message on Instagram (@taydabb) with your email address and I will add you to the email list. Even if you don't have a stationary bike at home but want to tune in for an outdoor run or your own interval workout, the more the merrier.
What is your biggest takeaway regarding COVID-19?
To slow down. I've been trying to practice more mindfulness during this time. Also, surprisingly to myself and those who know me, I can cook!
What long-term effects do you see COVID-19 having on the wellness industry?
It's really hard to say! Virtual access to classes, of course, is an element that the industry had prior to this time but it wasn't as widely offered. While it will be slow at the start, I believe clients will want to come back to group fitness classes to be alongside their friends and feeling the in-house energy that can't be replaced.
What is one thing you want the world to know about the wellness industry, especially in light of COVID-19?
There are so many incredibly talented wellness professionals doing all kinds of events, classes, wellness chats, Q&A's on all platforms — Instagram live, Facebook live, Zoom, ClassPass, Google Hangout. It's a really wonderful opportunity to learn and to try instructors you haven't tried before, or formats you haven't been exposed to. Please support the instructors and studios that you care about!
If you are a wellness professional interested in sharing your story, please email lily.moe@theodysseyonline.com.
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