Coffee Talk #176: Let’s get VIRTUAL

It’s Tuesday! Grab your cup and let’s start chattin’.

If we were having coffee together today, it would be a bit of a miracle. I miss coffee dates! I miss rolling up to Starbucks to collect an iced coconut milk latte and then heading to my manicurist for a touch-up. I miss the bliss of post-hot yoga class coffee. But I love my health. I am grateful to be healthy and away from harm. For now, it’s home-brewed coffee all the way.

If we were having coffee together today, I’d ask — how are you? Like, really. Are you ok? What is on your mind right now?

I’m not going to lie – this shift has been hard for me. I’m sure it’s been difficult for everyone. I cannot even imagine being a medical professional now, tasked with saving lives while also maybe being separated from family to avoid passing the virus. SO hard. I spent most of last week trying to figure out how to replace lost income from teaching, crafting a totally new work-from-home program to justify getting paid from a grant that is meant to be engaging in-person with students, while still having to pay for insurance/licenses/royalty fees and keep my fitness family moving, and also trying to buy a new house. First world problems, I know, but these are my days. There’s no guarantee that things will change in the near future, so I know we’ve all been in survival mode. That takes a toll on the mind and body.

Last week, I filmed 10 classes to finalize my contract with my main gym at Washington College (this will be the last check I get from them which has been tough to think about, but I’m grateful for this last opportunity), I filmed videos for my virtual groups which started yesterday, I designed content for the virtual groups, I hosted some live classes and some in-person small classes, and tried not to get knocked over at the local grocery stores. The uncertainty of everything has everyone on edge.

What can we do? When I feel overwhelmed, I know it’s up to me to change it, to shift it.

I’ve seen something like this floating around the socials and I’ve created a list of daily tasks that I’m sticking to during this period of isolation. It fuels me and I hope you can find it useful.

To keep me accountable, here’s my plan/list for today, following these tasks:

1. I’m grateful for my virtual fitness community! Y’all make this isolation thing DOABLE.
2. I’m planning a check-in with my siblings today.
3. I gave myself 10 minutes today to pay attention to the news. It’s all I can handle.
4. I’ll be outside rockin’ a fitness workout today! I also walk my dog daily.
5. I have three body movement plans: filming a Buti class, sharing an outdoor fitness workout, and going live in a virtual group with a HIIT workout.
6. I’m working with my MBRT for Education team to craft an instagram challenge.
7. I worked 11 hours yesterday, by accident. I’m cutting myself OFF at 2 p.m. today.
8. I cannot work until my bed is made, there are no dishes in the sink, and there’s no clutter on my desk.

We can do this. We have the resilience and ability to get through this brief period. We will change, we will shift and create a new normal. Take this as an opportunity to reflect on what you have, what you’re grateful for, and a chance to try something new.

Speaking of trying new things, I’m all over it! I’m putting myself out there in ways I have not done before (um, Zumba on Zoom anyone?!) and also revisiting things I have done before (virtual groups on facebook). I’ve also created a schedule to share FREE workouts on facebook live.

I’d love for you to join me! I’m trying to create something for everyone, and also be very cognizant of my own energy and boundaries. It’s really hard to teach a class to your phone with no one else around you – especially at the energy level my crew expects! Y’all help me keep my standards HIGH!

Here’s where I’ll be, and where you can join me. Don’t see what you’d like? Hit me up — I created all of this with YOU in mind and I’m willing to share and create more as it suits you!

FWA Virtual Fitness Options

1. FREE 30 min classes each week on Fit with Aundra facebook. Check the ‘events’ section. Currently offering Barre, HIIT, Strength classes for 30 minutes.
2. FREE Daily meditation on instagram – @ctownyogi.
3. ZOOM Zumba class sessions – next class is Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. Register here. $5 a session or use a punch on your FWA class card.
4. Virtual Groups – High intensity and Lower impact – 4 workouts a week for 4 weeks in each group. $35 for one or $60 for both.Register here.
5. Buti Yoga Group. $30 for 3 workouts/week for at least 3 weeks. Register here.

Thanks for sticking with me through this crisis. We WILL be able to get back together in person one day. For now, I’m grateful to chug along and offer all of these virtual classes and groups. I hope to see you there!!!