The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New workouts, connecting with sports while at home
It likely goes without saying we’re all past that cabin fever phase while on stay-at-home orders because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Hopefully, this is not “the new normal” in our everyday life. It does feel like some things will never be the same. Will some of us ever feel comfortable opening a door at a public place every again?
What about shaking a person’s hand for the first time?
What about sitting next to a random fan at a Browns, Cavs or Indians game the first time back?
Or something as simple as handling cash spit out at an ATM?
Thinking about those type of things can be mind-numbing. But here we are. That’s what we have to look forward to when America gets the green light — whenever that happens.
Speaking of mind-numbing, how many of you out there in stay-at-home land are at that point? Fortunately, my wife, son and I have kept ourselves entertained. Here’s hoping those living alone aren’t nearing Chuck Noland territory — as in talking to a Wilson volleyball similar to Tom Hanks’ character in the 2000 film “Castaway.” Just kidding.
In all seriousness, keeping our minds and bodies fresh and in motion is as important as ever. At our home, we’ve done our best to stay active and entertained. A few things I’ve learned:
• Staying active isn’t easy, but don’t over think it too much. It can be as simple as a walk through the neighborhood, but there are other options …
• While on a recent walk, I decided to attack a bleacher stand that’s 10 sections high. It’s a short walk from our home, and now it’s my No. 1 source for cardio exercise and my own version of a stair-climbing machine.
• Stay aware of everything around you. Whatever it is, it could be converted or used as a workout area.
• Before the stay-athome order, I purchased an 18-foot battle rope (i.e. the heavy duty kind many gyms offer to whip around for core work), and wrapped it around the post under our couch and — voila! — it’s now a workout station. It’s a nice option for cardio work. Five minutes on the battle ropes and you feel the burn.
• Any type of elastic material is a nice option for resistance work — especially if your home is void of dumb bells, a bench area and other weights.
Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors holds a sign reading “100” after he scored 100 points against the Knicks in 1962.
• Save your empty milk jugs. Fill them up to with play sand, put the cap back on and use as a makeshift kettle bell or two.
• My 11-year-old son has recently fallen for the NBA, and it’s been cool joining him for the ride. His favorite player is Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo but the best part for me has been introducing him to the history of the game. A few examples:
• A great re-watch is Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals between the Celtics and Lakers. It features arguably Magic Johnson’s greatest moment when his baby sky hook in the final seconds won Game 4 of the series for L.A., and had my son jumping up and screaming, “Yes!” Hey, nobody’s perfect (spoken from a lifelong Larry Bird fan).
• Speaking of BirdMagic, a history lesson about the NBA must include the story of arguably the most iconic and important rivalry — from a player perspective — in sports history. The documentary “Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” is must-see. It was produced by HBO in 2010, but shown regularly on NBA TV, a popular channel during our stay-at-home.
• Another must-watch for all sports fan is the 2012 NBA TV documentary “Wilt 100.” It’s an hour-long, and considering there are no video highlights of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962, that’s an impressive feat. Watch for yourself how the film pulls it off about a tale fans probably had to see to believe. The problem was only about 4,000 fans attended the game, which was held in Hershey, Pa., off all places.
Be well and safe everyone. Sports will be back. Gyms will open again. Those will be fun days.
Reach Podolski at MPodolski@News-Herald. com. On Twitter: @mpodo