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10 Low-Contact Ways to Stay Active & Healthy When Gyms in Pittsburgh are Closed

April 21, 2020

Maintaining social distance is the key to ensuring that we as a community stay healthy. As a result, gyms in Pittsburgh and other businesses have closed their doors temporarily. While the team at X Shadyside is excited to start training with our members once again and inspiring a healthy lifestyle. However, just because we can’t meet face-to-face doesn’t mean that health habits need to stop. That’s why we’re here to share with you 10 low-contact ways to stay active and healthy. From workout ideas to healthy restaurants that are offering delivery and pickup options,  X Shadyside has all your social distancing ideas covered.

Are Gyms in Pittsburgh Closed? Try these Low-Contact Activities

5 Ways to Stay Active in Spite of Social Distancing Guidelines

Staying active inside

It seems impossible for some people to stay active and keep up with their workout plan when gyms in Pittsburgh are closed. However, with a little creativity, you can create an awesome workout without the gym. Check out these 5 workout ideas that you can do without stopping in at the gym:

  • X Shadyside’s Online Gym: As the perfect substitute for our workouts available at our Shadyside facility, X Shadyside has partnered with Trainingym to bring you 100+ virtual classes like HIIT, tone, stretching and more. All workouts are original and curated by certified professionals to ensure the quality we offer at our club.
  • At-Home Workouts: Not having barbells, cardio equipment, and machines at home is less of a roadblock than you think. We created a blog post that provides you with workout inspiration using items you already have at home—like laundry detergent, your stairs, even your vacuum cleaner.
  • Healthyride PGH: If the stationary bike at the gym was your best friend for cardio and warm down, consider renting a bike from Pittsburgh’s bike share, Healthyride. Bikes can be rented for just $2 for 30 minutes at any of the 100+ stations across the city and are perfect for giving you a change of scenery for your cardio. Just be sure to bring a Chlorox wipe for cleaning off your bike before starting.
  • Walk, Run, or Bike Pittsburgh’s Trails: Another great way to get your steps & cardio in is trying out some of the trails across the city for your workout. The Riverwalk, Frick Park, Highland Park, and Schenley Park are perfect for getting out of the house and staying away from others. Grab your dog or pack a lunch for your walk to create the perfect active afternoon workout.
  • Tackle Some Yard Work: As the weather gets warmer, you definitely want to be outside. Turn your yardwork into an opportunity to stay active! Whether you’re mulching, raking, moving lawn furniture, or building an outdoor feature, yard work is sure to help you work up a sweat. Don’t have a yard? Throw on a pair of gloves and walk around your neighborhood picking up trash—good for you & good for the environment.

Eat Healthy While Maintaining Social Distance

Delivery & Pickup from Restaurants Near X Shadyside

Eat healthy

Source: https://stpeterising.com/home/2019/2/25/sofresh-to-add-healthy-option-to-downtown-st-pete-dining-scene

With so much time spent inside, eating from a restaurant can feel like an even more special treat than usual. However, with many of your favorite shut down for dining, it can be hard to find a meal that’s fast, nutritious, and contact-free. Check out these restaurants in the Shadyside area that are still offering nutritious meals with minimal person-to-person contact.

  • Honeygrow: Located on the corner of Penn and Highland, Honeygrow serves salads, stir fry, and honeybars made with natural, locally-sourced ingredients. In addition to a number of healthy (vegan and gluten-free) options, Honeygrow is offering free delivery through its app and white glove curbside pickup.
  • SoFresh: Located both Downtown and in East Liberty beneath Eastside Bond, SoFresh serves fresh salads and hearty grain bowls. In addition to being available for delivery, SoFresh has donated more than 3,000 meals to hospital staff and is donating groceries to families in need during the pandemic.
  • Roots Natural Kitchen: Delivering through Doordash and Uber Eats, Roots Natural Kitchen allows you to enjoy low-contact salads and grain bowls, each created with a flavorful twist. This Oakland restaurant is also open for in-store pickup.

Total-Body Wellness from a Distance

Take Care of Your Body & Mind During Stressful Times

Source: https://www.mobihealthnews.com/content/experts-debate-telemedicine-merits-and-myths

The added stress of the pandemic and being cooped up at home is leading many people to not feel their best. While it’s important to take care of your body, it’s just as important to keep your mind healthy during these times. Here are a few ways to do so:

  • Headspace App: Available on the app store, Headspace is the mindfulness, sleep, and meditation app that can help you manage your stress. The app keeps you moving and provides you with techniques designed for a healthier life.
  • Telehealth Visits: Healthcare professionals have taken steps to ensure that you aren’t alone during these times. Among them is UPMC’s efforts with telehealth, allowing you to see a doctor or practitioner using a simple app on your phone. This way, you can get in touch with healthcare providers from your home so they can give you advice, track symptoms, and prescribe medication without you visiting the office.


Staying healthy when gyms in Pittsburgh are closed doesn’t have to be difficult. To take advantage of our online resources, get in touch with X Shadyside today to learn about access options.


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