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Let's talk about exercise. Has the pandemic affected whether or how you exercise? If so, how?

Yes and no -<strong> in some ways I've had to change my exercise routine, but in other ways it hasn't changed at all.</strong> I've always exercised outside, with some exercise indoors too. We have a bike set-up on a trainer at home that I use inside and then I like to run and hike outdoors. When I spin on the bike indoors hasn't really been impacted by the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, I wouldn't give a second thought to when I would go for a run, and for hiking I would often go with friends or other hiking groups for day hikes close by. For my runs, I would usually go early in the morning before getting ready for work, etc. and it wouldn't matter where I ran. Once the pandemic started, my husband was worried about me running in the dark so early in the morning, so I frequently wait until sunrise to go for a run, or try to squeeze it in during my lunch break (especially, if I don't have meetings in the afternoon where I need to shower and stuff right away). But, I also have to think about the routes I take or when I go for my runs or any hikes now. For popular trails, my general rule of thumb is that it's still not too many people on the trails before 10a.m. if I want to get in my run or hike by then. Or, for popular trails I can go pretty much any time if the weather is crappy (really cold, rainy, etc.). For my hikes I've been doing a lot of solo hiking, with some distanced hiking with a couple friends, but trying to keep distance while hiking with friends can be difficult sometimes.<strong> Just writing all of this out makes me tired thinking about all of the logistics and things I think about before I step out the door to exercise.</strong> <strong> One thing I will say about the pandemic, it has truly unveiled to me the importance of exercise</strong> during this prolonged stressful period.<strong> I really don't think I would be able to keep my sanity if I didn't have my time out of the house to burn off some energy, frustration, or just plain zone out.</strong> While I don't always look forward to going out for a run or hopping on the bike. I'm always glad I did it afterwards (that hasn't changed with the pandemic).