MADISON, Ala. — When most gyms closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, people who went were stuck at home. For others, working out was not a priority.
'Quarantine 15' is a nickname for those extra pounds gained during the pandemic.
Lamardra 'LJ' Juliana, is the owner of Epic Fitness in Madison and she says the weight gain is normal.
"Through the shutdown, a lot of people got lazy and they were eating these processed foods, whatever was easy to go to the cabinet and get," Juliana explains.
During the pandemic, Epic Fitness began to offer Zoom classes to help people stay active and maintain their mental health. Now that the mask mandate is lifted and free vaccines are available, Juliana encourages everyone to start getting back into shape. If you aren't ready, there are exercises that everyone, even pregnant women, can do at home.
"I mean, we all probably gained something and if you didn't then kudos to you. But, at the end of the day, just start from where you are," Juliana said.
Fitness experts say getting in shape is a combination of eating right and putting in the work. Start small by paying attention to the foods that you eat and make an effort to avoid processed foods.
If you're looking to start a healthier journey, we here at WZDX FOX 54 wish you the best of luck.