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Alexander Training

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Hyde Park Gym

Gym Training Post Coronavirus: 4 Things to Consider

June 2, 2020 by Kathryn Alexander 2 Comments


Brittany had an amazing first post-CV deadlift session!

Brittany had an amazing first post-CV deadlift session!

The coronavirus outbreak has changed so many aspects of our daily lives, and how to resume normal life again is immensely complicated. There are a multitude of factors that affect you, your work, your family, and your social life. The right way will be different for everybody.

If you are stuck about how to resume training, and especially whether or not to go to the gym, consider the following factors.

Equipment Availability


Banded rows outside at Hyde Park

Banded rows outside at Hyde Park

Were you one of the lucky ones who snagged exercise equipment in early March, when it was still available? Or did you already have a home gym set up? If so, you are one of the lucky ones.  In this case, you can stay home and continue your program. If you don’t have equipment and you are still nervous to go in a gym, then you will have to make a way. You can dig into bodyweight, equipment-free exercises, make your own implements, or begin a walk/jog/stairs type program while you wait on equipment to ship. 

Gym Preparedness

Everyone has heard the same advice ad nauseum: stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands, wash your equipment, cover your mouth, use hand sanitizer. Of course, these are things we should be doing always. Does your gym enforce and encourage these habits? Do you feel they are taking the situation as seriously as you would like them to? Of course this is different for everybody. You might feel like a big gym can’t possibly handle the amount of people and germs safely, so you might look for a small boutique gym. You might feel like the boutique gym is too small and restrictive to lower the risk of transmission, so you seek a larger gym. This is completely dependent on your comfort level. 

Gym Culture 


Tire flips; another great outdoor training exercise. We have a variety of tires so everybody can flip tires at Hyde Park Gym.

Tire flips; another great outdoor training exercise. We have a variety of tires so everybody can flip tires at Hyde Park Gym.

Here, I am referring to your gym’s social culture. If you have a lifting group, or lifting partner, or you just like seeing the same familiar faces, you might be ready to get back to the gym for that reason alone. Many people I know rely on the camaraderie as a large part of their mental health. Some people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and bad habits need the benefits of their gym routine in a greater way than they are at risk for covid. I love Hyde Park Gym’s member base, and I’ve been so sad missing updates on everybody’s lives!

Your Personal Risk Level 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, consider your risk level. If you are in a high risk category, you might choose to stay home longer. Similarly, if you care for or live with someone who is high risk, your decision might be more conservative. If you are struggling emotionally and need to connect, getting back in the gym (with proper precautions) might be worth the risk. 

My Return – to – Gym Plan

That was 500 words to say, it’s your choice! I wish I could just tell you the answer, but you have to decide for yourself. As for me, I have decided that I miss my clients, I miss my friends at the gym, I miss having a job, and since I am low risk, I am going to go back to the gym. For now, I will be training clients outside. We have plenty of equipment and can get complete, challenging training sessions in the fresh air and sunshine. 

Please reach out if I can help you get started or resume your training. It’s time to take care of your health, so let’s begin! 


We’re back! Training safely outside at Hyde Park Gym.

We’re back! Training safely outside at Hyde Park Gym.

Filed Under: Attitude & Mindset, Life Tagged With: coronavirus, covid, gym training, Hyde Park Gym, training safely

Homecoming

November 21, 2018 by Kathryn Alexander Leave a Comment

The Big Move


My first photoshoot (ever) at Hyde Park Gym. I love this one, excessive spray tan and all. 2011. Thank you Ty Hardin

My first photoshoot (ever) at Hyde Park Gym. I love this one, excessive spray tan and all. 2011. Thank you Ty Hardin

In October of 2017, I made a big move. I left my home gym, Hyde Park Gym, for a new location. Hyde Park Gym was in the middle of a “problem” of luxury: it was busy. We had weightlifters, powerlifters and people pumping iron in what felt like every space of the gym. There was high energy and lots of community. 

So what’s the problem? As a trainer who plans every training session for every individual, I was making a lot adjustments during my client workouts. 

The new gym had a great facility, quality equipment, and welcoming people. I am forever grateful for their open arms and the friendships I developed there. 

But it wasn’t home. 

I decided to give myself the best birthday gift this October 2018, and after a year, I returned home. 

Homecoming

I am back 100% at Hyde Park Gym. My clients are loving the eclectic vibe and the unique community. Some of my clients are returning with me, and some are seeing Hyde Park Gym for the first time. 

The gym has found a balance between busy-ness and availability, and it feels like a step back into the golden years. I’ve not had to wait for a rack, and people work together. My old friends and gym friends are here; like I never left. 

People welcomed me back with open arms and asked where I had been. To some of them, I said I was on vacation for a little while. It’s a time warp, you know. Some believed me, some did not. 

Eleanor the gym dog has the same puppy-like greeting. Brook, the owner, is as supportive as ever. All are welcome, whether elite lifters, or beginners.

The Hyde Park Gym community defies explanation. Everyone eventually comes back to this place, whether to visit or to lift again. Truly, you have to experience it to understand it. 

Thanksgiving


Hyde Park Gym Kathryn happy

I’m SO happy to be back. To say that I am thankful is an understatement. I’d be more than thrilled to introduce you to the Hyde Park Gym community if you’d like to find an oasis of supportive and fascinating people in central Austin.

In the meantime, I suggest you find the communities, the tribes, the groups in your life where you feel genuinely and authentically happy. Seek those out on a regular basis, and you’ll see your happiness in life increase.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!



Proud mama feels right here for Emily’s photoshoot. Photography by Becca Ewing.

Proud mama feels right here for Emily’s photoshoot. Photography by Becca Ewing.


Here too! I adore my client Holly! She and her family are part of the fabric of Hyde Park Gym. Becca’s amazing photography again.

Here too! I adore my client Holly! She and her family are part of the fabric of Hyde Park Gym. Becca’s amazing photography again.


Yeah, I know you’ve seen this picture everywhere. I think it’s my favorite. Thank you Matthew!

Yeah, I know you’ve seen this picture everywhere. I think it’s my favorite. Thank you Matthew!


Tire flipping. Photo by Becca Ewing

Tire flipping. Photo by Becca Ewing


I seriously love the character of this wall, and this entire building. Also by Matthew DeFeo

I seriously love the character of this wall, and this entire building. Also by Matthew DeFeo


My amazing group of women at The Chick Workout

My amazing group of women at The Chick Workout


Abby! One of my biggest supporters!

Abby! One of my biggest supporters!


My sweet friends at Hyde Park Gym. What a great group!!

My sweet friends at Hyde Park Gym. What a great group!!

Filed Under: Life Tagged With: blessings, happiness, homecoming, Hyde Park Gym, hydeparkgym, Thanksgiving

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