Farhad: Why I'm doing the Open...

It’s Open season and it’s been a weird year. I’m trying to decide if I’m going to register for this one. 

We’re a year into a global pandemic. I, like many of you, have faced a lot disruptions. Most of my work day is spent in front of my computer on a Zoom conference with mute on thinking about what I should order next on Uber. It’s been a strange year of frustrations and uncertainties. The day is mostly uneventful. Finally, as I glance at my watch, it reads 3:49pm. I begin to feel excited. Only 11 more minutes until my workday ends. It means, I get to peel myself off my chair and begin a routine I look forward to. For me, this means I get to snack, hydrate, throw back a pre-workout and mentally ready myself for the 5 pm Aux Zoom workout with a few stretches. Oh, and I don’t need to change. I’m already in sweats and a t-shirt. 

Farhad loves his mobility (Photo Credit: Chris Bansie, 2019).

Everyday I aim to do one Zoom workout. It’s my only source of sanity that I have going for me. It’s a time that I get to see familiar faces. And while I feel like my fitness has taken a hit because of the lockdown, I know that by completing a Zoom class, I’ll have accomplished something that makes me feel great about myself.

The Open is fast approaching and I spent a lot of time this past week wondering if I should sign-up. I’ve ask a few friends if they’ll be registering. Their responses are mixed. Some aren’t sure if they want to spend $20 (USD) to participate in a competition that has an at-home option. The reluctance seems reasonable. After all, how do you compete if you don’t have a lot of equipment?

After spending some time on The Open website, I’ve decided to register. They have an at-home option.  I’ve spent the larger part of the year working out at home. For me, it’s about testing my fitness in a new (but temporary) reality of being in lockdown. I also look forward to Zooming with my fellow Auxies who have largely experienced the same reality as my own. Time to rep by box.