Gym Trainer Leads Fitness Class For Quarantined People On Their Balconies In Spain

Mar 20, 2020 by apost team

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the entire world presently, with parts of Europe under lockdown in order to stop the spread of the virus. In Spain, citizens have been in lockdown since last Saturday, which prohibits them from going out to bars and restaurants, gathering with friends, and even going to exercise at the gym. But one Spanish personal trainer named Gonzalo from the city of Seville came up with a genius idea to keep people connected and moving – he took to the central roof of an apartment building to teach a fitness class to its residents, as they all looked on and followed from their balconies. The moment was captured on video and is just one of the many heartwarming examples of humanity coming together in these trying times.

Europe and some parts of the world are increasingly being put under lockdown, in a bid to keep transmission of COVID-19 down. Self-isolation is one of the major aspects of this methodology, and includes staying at home in quarantine away from others. The less people interact with each other, even if they don't appear to exhibit any symptoms of the virus, the more likely that the virus' spread will be curbed. 

But being isolated has its tough aspects, including lack of physical movement and a toll on mental health. The World Health Organization has therefore included a guide on Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak. In it it states: "Learn simple daily physical exercises to perform at home, in quarantine or isolation to maintain mobility and reduce boredom."

apost.com

Personal trainer Gonzalo has taken this advice and used his knowledge in fitness to give back to his community directly. From the vantage point of a low, central roof in the middle of an apartment complex, Gonzalo was able to teach a fitness class to residents of the building, as they participated from their balconies. From jumping jacks and squats to lunges, Gonzalo's workout class was certainly not lacking.

The video is incredible to see, not only for the unusual fitness class location, but to witness Gonzalo's energy in connecting with the people as well as the sheer number of them working out with him. It was posted to the Sano Sevilla Los Bermejales Instagram page, which is the gym where Gonzalo normally works at.

Accompanying the post, Sano Sevilla Los Bermejales wrote: "This is how @gonzalo_gbroto is passing the time with his neighbors. This is the spirit of Sano Sevilla Los Bermejales. Despite such adverse circumstances, we’re going to get the best out of you."

A manager at the gym where Gonzalo works, Luis Javier, told the Today show that the exercise session was coordinated by the neighbors via WhatsApp. He said: "All the neighbors were having a hard time and sad, but now, every day they are looking forward to the time for their training. It is a healthy idea, which helps people feel much better and face the situation in Spain in a positive way."

Gonzalo and his neighbors' initiative is touching to see, not only in how it's bringing together community, but the people's proactive approach to both physical and mental health during the current crisis. It's something we could all learn from them

How are you keeping physically and mentally well during these times? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this positive story on to your family and friends.