AS AN AMERICAN KID growing up during the Cold War Europe from the 1970s through the 1990s, I learned the importance of secrecy. Don’t do this, don’t say that, and don’t stick out like a sore thumb more than you already do. When you asked the adults why, you learned that the enemy could be anywhere, at anytime, watching everything you do.
So, we took it seriously. We took different routes home from school. We didn’t wear name brands. We spoke German, and, for a stint while living in England, we pretended British accents.
Secrecy was paramount in the clandestine world of espionage during the Cold War. In the same way that secret agents operated in the shadows, avoiding detection and surveillance at all costs, we learned to do the same.
Similarly, in the realm of fitness, there are times when it’s best to operate under the radar, away from unnecessary distractions, prying eyes, and perceived judgments. I understand how accountability can be beneficial, especially when part of a group. But when no one else figures into your health goals besides you, staying fit without others watching is possible and can be incredibly liberating.
Here are three ways I’ve experienced this:
1. Embrace the power of home workouts. With minimal equipment and space, you can create a highly effective fitness routine within the confines of your own home. Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges require no special equipment and can be done discreetly behind closed doors, away from the public eye. After brushing my teeth in the morning, I do five bodyweight exercises before I leave the bathroom. No one sees me. No one hears me.
2. Explore outdoor activities in secluded areas. Nature offers endless opportunities for exercise, from trail running and hiking to cycling and outdoor yoga. Seek out quiet trails, parks, or secluded beaches where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world while breaking a sweat without feeling self-conscious. I wear my “five-finger shoes” when walking downtown to my Starbucks. It doesn’t look like I’m working out, but walking in five-finger shoes is like walking barefoot, and my calves get the attention they need.
3. Exploit virtual fitness communities. Modern technology allows you to access many online resources, including workout videos, live-streaming classes, and virtual personal trainers. Participating in virtual fitness communities enables you to stay connected and motivated while exercising on your own terms from the comfort of your home. I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was about 12. At age 51, I’m still involved because I watch enough gymnastics-related videos each week that show me it’s possible. One of my all-time athletic heroes, Oksana Chusovitina, is about my age and just recently retired from the sport.
Just as spies navigated the shadows of the Cold War era, you too can navigate the world of fitness clandestinely, finding strength and empowerment in your ability to stay fit without the watchful eyes of others. Embrace the secrecy, discover new ways to exercise in solitude, and forge your path to a healthier, happier you.