ETERNAL ATHLETES AT HEART
Ever wondered what it’s like being a part of a ‘sports family?’ Chloé tells it like it is.
“My entire life has revolved around fitness. Both of my parents are athletes—my dad put me in skis when I was two! By seven, I was swimming 40 hours per week for Canada’s national synchronized team until I turned 20. Then I enrolled in university where I studied Exercise Science. Now I’m a Kinesiologist, and I’m into boxing, powerlifting, and hiking. Sports is ingrained in me.”
Desiree’s story is similar. “I come from a long line of athletes, with five siblings who are all into sports. We’re super supportive of each other, but we’re also very competitive. We still do family field days and shoot hoops, toss the football, run routes, etc. It’s so much fun and we cheer each other on—even though we secretly want to be better than everyone else!”
WHEN PERCEPTION ISN’T REALITY
"When thinking of the ideal athlete, you might envision a cisgender flawless physique that’s svelte and toned. But as these two prove, looks can be deceiving."
"Fitness has helped me on my journey to becoming my optimal self," reveals Desiree. "I'm tall and I have a little more weight on me. Because of my size, I had confidence issues when I first started playing team sports, since I couldn’t move as freely as everyone else. Sticking with sports helped me conquer my fears, and now I know what my body is capable of. I understand my strengths and weaknesses as an athlete and a trainer."
When most people meet me, they’re like ‘Oh, you don’t look like a personal trainer.
–Chloé Larouche-Tremblay
Chloe describes a comparable sentiment. "I’m not the typical ‘Peloton-riding-sports-bra-and-leggings-wearing’ girl. I work out in XXL sweatpants—I’m queer. I've had top surgery. When I was younger, it was triggering and alienating. Even now I still don't think I fit into the traditional sports world because I don't conform to a typical gender identity. The way people react to how I look is the one challenge I continue to face.”
In other words, they've both chosen to use the bodies they’ve struggled with in the past to help themselves—and others.
WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED
For fitness fanatics like Desiree and Chloé, gyms and studios closing abruptly could’ve been devastating to their day-to-day lives. But you know what they say—where there’s a will, there’s a way. Enter the ‘Anytime, Anywhere Workout.’ It isn’t a rundown of how-to exercises, but the idea that you’re prepared to workout at any available opportunity.
“I’m a mobile personal trainer, so I hit the ground running and spent the entire lockdown outside. I don’t need a gym because I don’t follow a strict, super rigid regimen with weight machines and cardio equipment,” says Chloé. “Backyards and garages are my go-to places to work out and train my clients.”
When I started training outside, I felt the most like myself and at peace. I discovered a little hill at a park in my neighborhood where I love going to run circuits.
–Desiree Kose
Desiree’s experience was the opposite. “I stayed indoors as recommended for the first two and a half months. I went stir-crazy—I’ve always been so active, so trying to cope with what was happening in the world while staying indoors was tough. When I finally ventured outside, I started with short walks, before graduating to full workouts on the beach and drills in the park.”
MAKE YOUR OWN MOBILE GYM
Pushups. Planks. Punches. Lunges. Squats. Jumps. Twists. Raises. Crunches. Dips. You don’t need a weight room and specialty cardio machines to burn calories and build muscle—there are countless bodyweight exercises you can do to work up a sweat. Or you can up the ante with a makeshift gym that moves with you.
One caveat: The ‘Anytime, Anywhere Workout’ is much easier if you have access to a car (or cargo bike). That way you can drive (or ride) around until you find the perfect space while transporting portable exercise equipment in your trunk.
“I have a full trunk, because I never know what I’m going to want to do,” says Desiree. “There’s a basketball, tennis rackets, a volleyball, an outdoor speaker, resistance bands, extra clothes, water bottles, etc. I like knowing that I can do anything I like at any moment. Now my workouts are more random and fun—I just make sure to keep moving.”
Chloé agrees. “At the beginning of the pandemic, home fitness gear was backordered. Thankfully I already had everything I needed to keep moving. You can find literally everything in my trunk. Boxing wraps and gloves, a volleyball, rotator cuffs, five gallons of water, barbells, weight plates, extra t-shirts, battle ropes, etc. My entire car is my gym bag.
But if you aren’t mobile, create a compact kit that you can comfortably carry yourself.”
PACK THESE PORTABLES
Here’s a shortlist of workout gear that is perfect for traveling light while mixing it up:
- Resistance bands
- Ankle + wrist weights
- A jump rope
- Push-up handles
- A mini basketball
- A Pilates ring
- A yoga mat
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
A definite way to get in shape, push yourself harder, keep motivated, and stay consistent? Find a reliable buddy to train with. Your ideal partner will have a similar schedule and commitment level as you.
Pro tip: When freestyling a workout outside of a traditional gym setting, maximize your time by coming prepared, i.e., mapping out different routines in advance. Or download the adidas Training app. There you’ll be able to join challenges, create your own personalized workout plans, and track your progress so that you can push yourself harder whenever you work out anytime, anywhere.
HELLO, ADICLUB
New name. New levels. New rewards. Explore the changes to our membership program and get more of what you love.