Tokyo Lockdown: A Fitness Coaches Workout Journey
From London to Tokyo amidst a pandemic: Discover how I transformed lockdown challenges into a fitness evolution.
In late April 2020, amidst the global pandemic, I was adapting to my new life in Tokyo, specifically in Koto-Ku.
Having relocated from London, England, just a month earlier, I immersed myself in what felt like a whole new world.
As a personal trainer specialising in 1-2-1 online fitness coaching, health and fitness are staples in my life. This passion led me to swiftly join Anytime Fitness near Kiba Station, conveniently situated above a 7/11 – a perfect spot for grabbing a post-workout bento box.
Many countries enforced lockdowns during this time, but Japan, where I had recently made my home, held back due to constraints linked to a post-World War Two law. The government couldn't legally enforce a lockdown but relied on cultural pressures and public opinion to encourage businesses to close voluntarily. Initially, many places remained open, including restaurants, arcades, and my gym.
As the pandemic escalated, the pressure mounted, and about half of Japan's businesses, including Anytime Fitness, announced a temporary closure, initially for a month, which then extended to two. This closure challenged my fitness routine, but I respected the country's stance and adapted my approach.
My solution was simple yet effective: consistently high protein intake and pivoting to home or park workouts.
Partnering with my German housemate, David, we embraced callisthenics at one of the local parks, Toyosumi Koen, regularly joined by our passionate rock-climbing Japanese neighbour, Ryou. Then, alone, I'd also do some jump roping, resistance band, and bodyweight exercises.
Whilst it was a shift from my usual gym routine of dumbbell and barbell training, I grew to appreciate these new forms of exercise, particularly callisthenics. Me and David's shared goal was to master the muscle-up.
Even after relocating to an Airbnb in Nakano, Matsugaoka, I maintained my workout regimen.
Some days, it was easier to show up than others. When I felt the excitement wane, David and I bought a kettlebell (times were tough), which added some needed variety to our workouts again.
This experience taught me two valuable lessons: Firstly, there's always a way to exercise, no matter the circumstances. Suppose you're unable to access a gym due to closure, injury, or travel. In that case, it's an opportunity to explore different exercises like push-ups, pistol squats, chin-ups, or muscle-ups.
Secondly, a break from the gym doesn't mean losing all your progress. I quickly regained my momentum when I returned to Anytime Fitness, this time in Sumida, Kamezawa, a couple of months later.
If you're facing a curveball in your fitness journey and need accountability and guidance, consider my 1-2-1 online fitness coaching.
I'll support you with tailored nutrition and workout plans, ensuring consistent progress and reduced anxiety around fitness. To learn more and start your journey, click here to inquire.
Speak soon,
Leo
P.S. Below are a few random photos from the time, a few taken by myself for Instagram (@leoalvespt) stories, and the rest taken of me by David.
