Is anyone else excited about the weekend? The weather today is supposed to be sunny and warm so I’m really looking forward to spending time outside. I predict I’ll be going for a walk and also taking some time to read in the backyard. I hope you’re able to take advantage of the weather too where you are.
In my usual Friday fashion here on Get Fit Fiona, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite things from the past week.
Adjustable dumbbells
I was able to borrow some adjustable dumbbells a few weeks ago from my boyfriend to use for at home workouts. When the pandemic first started a few months ago I knew it was serious, but I didn’t realize all of the repercussions of physical distancing. Rec centers and yoga studios got the green light to re-open today here in Calgary, but they’ll look very different than they did pre-pandemic. My Gym has emailed it’s members and told us that they need more time to figure out how to open up safely, so they’re still closed at the moment.
I’m still working out at home as a result. And I think I will be for awhile. I’ll have to wait to hear how my gym will be re-opening to see when I’ll feel comfortable going back and what workouts I’ll be able to do. I’ve heard that some facilities will close change rooms (so you have to come to the gym ready to go in your workout clothes already) and limit group fitness classes to only those that can be done outside with no equipment. I’ll have to wait and see what my gym decides to do.
In the mean time I’m really loving the Peloton app. I didn’t have much selection in terms of dumbbells, so my boyfriend let me borrow his adjustable ones. I’ve loving them already. It’s easy to change the weight on them, and the clips screw on instead of clip on, so I feel like it’s a bit more secure.
The Hate U Give
I started reading The Hate U Give over the weekend. It was recommended reading for white people so when I saw that it was available from my library I borrowed it right away. I was drawn into the story from the first few pages. it was pretty eye opening to read. It showed me in lots of the concrete ways the privilege I have because of my skin color. If you’re looking for a book to read that will make you look at your own privilege if you’re a white person I highly recommend The Hate U Give.
Here’s the synopsis from Good Reads:
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Sunny walks
I went on a few walks this week that felt so good! The weather has been pretty nice lately and I’ve been taking full advantage of it. Summers feel so short here (and the winters so long), so I’m all about enjoying the sun when I’m able to.
Yesterday I headed out to a park in the next neighborhood over from mine. There’s tonnes of space so I was able to make sure that I was staying two meters away from everyone I passed. I’m so grateful that Calgary has so many open green spaces where that’s possible – and that I have options close to home.
Part of the park is a botanical garden, so I was able to take in lots of beautiful flowers as well, including these deep purple irises. They’re just so pretty.
What was one of your favorite things from the past week? Share your comments below – I’d love to hear yours!