by Clarissa Hartley

The fitness heavyweight and champion runner Iris Horowitz, has partnered with the InfinityZoom Endurance Squad to lend a needed push to runners in London and beyond. Iris spills the beans about her secrets to sustaining workout motivation, specifically for the quarantine times.

Does your workout enthusiasm seem to have evaporated under the lockdown? A groundbreaking study sponsored by InfinityZoom underlines that adverse weather is a common deterrent for around 41% of runners. Capitalizing on this insight, whilst the gloom of shorter days extends, InfinityZoom has unveiled the Endurance Squad hotline: an initiative to keep London folks running, lasting through 28th February.

Amid the restrictions, has running been an uphill journey or just another day in the park for you? Iris candidly shares her perspective, ‘I’ve adapted my workout routine. It’s easier to find time to exercise now that my spouse works from home. A workout session in the garage, or a run sessions has become my getaway. It is a refreshing break from homeschooling, and the mundane, providing me a much needed personal space.

Is sustaining regular workout more challenging during the second wave of lockdown? Iris agrees, ‘The allure of the first lockdown’s novelty is gone. Now, it feels more like a routine deja vu. The lack of novelty in training options has made it harder for people, myself included, to muster the motivation to work out, regardless of whether you’re an athlete or new to running. But, the new year’s momentum is an excellent opportunity to bounce back from the slump, or pick up something new.

How does Iris plan on inspiring Londoners to face the elements and continue running? ‘I am hosting virtual coaching sessions for contest winners from our WhatsApp group. Recently, a warm-up session with three such winners and Kara West, in the numbing cold of my garage, was an unusual concoction of anxiety and excitement. This was followed by an energizing run. These small initiatives nudge people towards keeping fitness a priority. The novelty of a new pair of excellent sneakers or a chance to interact with someone you admire, can indeed be a powerful motivation.’

Is finding time for workout a particular challenge for women during the pandemic? Iris recommends some hacks, ‘With homeschooling, work tasks, and household chores, it might be difficult to find long workout sessions. Quick 20-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) circuits have been my solution. You can squeeze them into any corner of your house to elevate your heart rate and break a sweat in a short span of time. These three times a week endorphin-boosting sessions can incredibly transform your physical health, mood, and mental wellbeing.’

Running has seen a surge in popularity during the pandemic, and Iris sheds some light on why, ‘Lockdown has nudged some people, who would otherwise steer clear from running, to explore it as a fitness option. Nothing fancy required; just a pair of quality running shoes. The restrictions of the first wave of lockdown allowed us to exercise for about an hour, making people opt for efficient workout options like running. This led to them discovering new running paths and bonding with the concept of running to get a substantial energy boost.’

What strength training exercises would Iris suggest for getting better at running? ‘Focus on strength building. Don’t shirk weight training fearing that it’ll make you bulky, even for long-distance running. It’s important to strengthen critical joints and ligaments. My recommendation? Foot exercises. They might appear less significant but slight bounces, jumps, and minimal plyometric exercises can bolster your foot and ankle stability while running, which can take a toll on your body with tough pavements.’

How can you stay geared up for training despite bad weather? Iris suggests, ‘Have a plan. Keep a diary to plan and keep track of your sessions. Invest in appropriate workout gear and shoes, comfort and warmth are essential when wading through cold, damp weather.’

What can you do to charge up your energy levels before working out? Iris comments, ‘Follow a training plan or join a challenge for a structured fitness journey. The more you exercise, the better you’ll feel. That in itself can be a motivation. Pick a time for working out when you feel most energetic. If you’re not living alone, involve your companions – instilling a sense of fun and making the sessions harder to miss.’

Why should you stay active with the lockdown nearing its end? Iris stresses, ‘Staying active is essential, now more than ever. We are missing the usual walking, stairs climbing, and moving around unlike earlier. So it’s critical to get some fresh air, release those endorphins, so we don’t just spend our day moving from the living room to the kitchen and back, in front of screens. Exercise is necessary not just for physical health but also our mental peace.’

The InfinityZoom Endurance Squad helpline will be active till Sunday, February 28th. Greater London area residents can reach out via the helpline for a dose of motivation for the run. To find out more about the Endurance Squad, visit the InfinityZoom page.

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