Mary Kate McDevitt
This story is part of SLM's January 2021 cover feature, with tips on riding out the rest of the pandemic. Click here for more stories from the feature.
Last spring, it seemed, everyone we knew was suddenly nostalgic for that 12th-birthday party at Great Skate and purchased inlines off Facebook Marketplace. As we began feeling stagnant with the extra time at home, had a real excuse to not hit the (closed) gym, and perhaps were finally abandoning early-pandemic hopes of productivity, we suddenly had a passion for the great outdoors. By summer, area cycle shops, such as St. Charles’ Bike Stop Café, had sold out and needed to restock a number of times. They’re upping the supply for the demand. “We’ve already put in orders for bikes so we can gear up for next spring,” says manager Sam Byrne.
If you don’t envision yourself hiking and biking in a parka this winter, we suggest downloading some virtual workout classes. (New St. Louis studio Yes Honey is offering online dance and strength-training videos for $18 per month.) Or, if a Peloton seems too costly, convert that brand-new Schwinn to a stationary bike with some easily ordered equipment. Then, come warmer days, consider these outdoor activities.
Skateboarding: We’ve now mastered the disco skating of the ’70s, but can you brave the Sum 41 skateboarding of the early 2000s? St. Louis has its fair share of skate parks for the amateurs and Tony Hawks alike. We recommend an additional type of personal protective equipment for this one.
Archery: Hear us out: This activity will lend itself to a postapocalyptic world. You don’t have to be Katniss Everdeen, but the sport does require a lot of focus (so you don’t have to think about other things!) and gives short, controlled workouts of the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper back.
Parkour: Yes, it’s a real sport. No, it doesn’t have to be as advanced as what the pros of American Ninja Warrior are doing. To start, experts say, you should able to perform 25 push-ups, five pull-ups, and 50 full squats. Then practice jumping and falling maneuvers, eventually working in some urban landscape obstacles. Our suggestion: Wear kneepads, and wait to try it in Citygarden.
