With gyms and the local YMCA closed, our staff is finding creative ways to stay fit at home. We’re doing everything from curls of bottled water to calisthenics. For some, the workout routine is as simple as a long dog walk. The more ambitious athletes are using weighted vests to simulate heavy lifting without barbells.
Clear out your living room, get properly hydrated, and let us guide you through a We R Tacoma fitness session.
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Or take some inspiration from the former athletes and sports fans of Cheney Stadium. Remember when walking, jogging, biking, and running outdoors to stay distant from others. Also, verify that your route is open and safe for use.
Without the YMCA available, Senior Corporate Sales Manager Kevin Drugge no longer has access to weights and the Stairmaster. His solution is one we could all aspire to.
“I’ve been walking 6-10 miles every day with a 50-pound weighted vest on. I try to do pushups and abs every day, too.”
Getting out under the clear sky is part of why Kyle McGilvray, Team Store Manager goes for a run.
“I try and go for a run every day while keeping a safe distance from other walkers and runners. This has not only been a great way to get exercise, but also a good way to get out of the house and get some fresh air.”
Not able to go out to do CrossFit, Partner Services Manager Rachel Hansen uses technology to bring the CrossFit to her house.
“My Mother-in-law and I work out via group Facetime with several of her CrossFit friends. We will do basic at-home exercises using minimal (or body) weights. Each workout is around 10-20 minutes of high-intensity interval training, which helps boost your stamina. The workouts are a good substitution for standard cardio and can include any exercise that gets your heart rate up. Plus, the results are directly in line what you put into the workout. You can easily adjust exercises to fit your athletic abilities.”
Group Event Coordinator Hayley Hacker is using the internet to stay healthy, too. In her case it’s online courses via Orange Theory.
“I was a ride or die Orange Theory Fitness Tacoma member. I’ve been lost without them, but they have offered free home workouts that can be found on their website. Otherwise, you can find me running the track up the street from the stadium at Gray Middle School. The track is unlocked and has been a great option when you just need to get out of the house and go for a run with some fresh air.”
Other members of the Cheney Stadium staff are staying busy other ways. Corporate Sales Manager Hank Foster and his roommate are tossing the baseball out in the driveway. Rainiers Pitcher Darren McCaughan is doing the same, but taken up a notch.
“I feel like I really haven’t missed a beat in terms of preparation with everything in the world closed down. I’ve got a park in my backyard and a bag of about 35 baseballs that I throw into the fence. Then I pick them up and do it over again. In terms of weights and stuff, I’ve had to get creative by throwing an assortment of garage items into suitcases and doing some jail-yard workouts in the driveway. Although not an ideal situation, I think we can find ways to stay in shape during quarantine by using our imagination a little bit.”
Director of Partner Services Yvette Yzaguirre and her boyfriend are using their imaginations too. Household goods like bottled water help them get in some weight training. Head Groundskeeper, Michael Huie, is benefiting from an offseason home remodel that included a personal gym. Director of Business Development Ben Nelson re-purposed a home improvement project into a physical fitness one, using a sledgehammer, shovel, and bricks to build a retaining wall.
Read all of R Staff Picks for advice on how we’re staying entertained and educated while we Stay Home so the heroes of Tacoma can stay safe.
Stay fit and focused. Always Together, We R Tacoma
About the Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Tacoma has been a member of the Pacific Coast League since Cheney Stadium opened in 1960, and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the Rainiers moniker in 1995.
The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be found at WeRTacoma.com, or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) and liking the team on Facebook.
About Tacoma Defiance
Tacoma Defiance is the USL Championship affiliate of reigning MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC. You can follow The Future of Champions on Twitter (@TACDefiance), Facebook, and Instagram (@tacdefiance). We are #DefiantlyTacoma.
Tacoma Team Store
The Tacoma Team Store is open, online. Grab your Rainiers gear, your Defiance ‘fit, and follow the team store on Instagram and Twitter.
COVID-19 Information
More information on social distancing and how to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can be found at Tacoma-Pierce County Health. The most up-to-date information on how COVID-19 is affecting events at Cheney Stadium can be found here.
September 21, 2023