Among the things people miss most about pre-Covid life, the ability to gather together undoubtedly rises to the top. While our lives are unavoidably different now, the Shorewood Recreation Department has made progress to return a sense of community to Shorewood by bringing back some group classes in a limited capacity, both virtually and in-person.
“We are excited to bring back these classes in a safe and comfortable environment,” says Perry Perkins, recreation supervisor. “We feel like it's these little pleasures in life that will help restore a feeling of normalcy to the community. We understand that there are certain safety protocols that will never go away, so we are adapting our response, providing additional training and reducing the overall risk of exposure to Covid-19, while providing nourishment for the mind, body and soul.”
To determine which classes would be reinstated in 2021, the department used feedback from community surveys sent in October and November 2020, along with assessments of each class’s risk level.
Virtual group classes include Pilates, Pound Fitness and Senior Strength. Done via Zoom, the classes have no participant limits. While participants are muted during the workouts, time is intentionally carved out for them to interact with each other before and after the instruction.
“I can’t tell you how great it is to be able to have a virtual class,” says Senior Strength participant Patti Barleben. “I have such a great instructor, and I feel better and more energized already! I’m so thankful to have this option to interact and get a good workout while keeping safe.”
In-person offerings include Zumba, Pound Fitness, Aqua Boot Camp and Group Swim Lessons. New procedures and protocols such as smaller class sizes, masks and proper social distancing have been incorporated. Swim instructors are required to wear face shields while in the water.
Longtime Recreation Department Zumba and Pound Instructor Michelle Streng says that while she has had to adjust her instruction slightly by allotting more rest time and low-intensity breaks to help everyone stay comfortable while working out in face masks, participants can still expect the same energy and excitement for which her classes are known.
“Last year was tough on everyone, and it affected us all in different ways,” Streng says. “Group fitness classes have always been a healthy way to help cope with life’s ups and downs. To have an hour where you forget about the world, and just sweat and smile, is very healing for the body, but more importantly, the mind. My classes are a space where friendships are formed and we become more than a class, we become a family.”
One longtime Zumba and Pound participant shares that she looks forward to getting her health back on track through these classes. “It’s been hard (this past year) not having any of my usual activities, so seeing the other participants and my instructor is very comforting,” says the participant, unnamed for professional reasons. “We have plenty of room to spread out, masks are required and I feel very safe.”
The Recreation Department will re-evaluate the classes after each session and hopes to expand group programming. To stay up-to-date on which classes are running, visit shorewoodrecreation.org or call 414.963.6913.
*This story can also be found in the Spring 2021 Shorewood Today magazine.*
Michelle Streng, left, leads a February group Zumba class at the Shorewood Intermediate School gym. (Photo credit: Patrick Manning)