Fitness, But Make It Free

What’s happening: Under lockdown, outdoor activities like walking and biking were deemed essential. For transit, exercise, or mental health, the use of vacant sidewalks, empty streets, and secluded trails are the preferred means of socially distant activity.

At a moment when we’re compelled to rethink nearly every aspect of our lives, championing a simpler, accessible, and more sustainable approach to physical activity—not just exercise—could have a lasting impact on public health, beyond those who are already fit.

The big picture: From fitness and wellness to healthcare, trillions of dollars are spent each year in the pursuit of well-being. Unfortunately, all that spending hasn’t amounted to much in the way of health outcomes: in the US, about 39% of the population is obese — a number that’s expected to top 50% by 2030.

Why it matters: For the time being, precautionary measures like car-free streets are meant to protect public safety by providing an alternative to overcrowded infrastructure or shuttered gyms. In the long run, pro-pedestrian and cyclist-friendly measures could outlast the pandemic.

Ultimately, fitness is exercise you pay for. And, in many ways, COVID is serving as a reminder that the best things in life are free.

As social distancing persists, exercising at the park may replace going to the gym. This summer, outdoor yoga classes could be a stand-in for boutique studios. And low-cost, equipment-free workouts will become the standard. An alternative to expensive or complex fitness regimens, COVID-era exercise could be a catalyst for simpler, more accessible f... See more