Coaches, Trainers and Families Simplify Staying Active During Coronavirus Outbreak

Area athletes try to stay in shape while gyms and fields continue to close.

While staying at home as people are asked to stay home from work, school and public businesses due to the coronavirus threat -- area athletes and coaches are trying to find normalcy during this new reality wcbi sports' courtney robb has more " the cdc continues to spread the word of staying home in hopes of slowing down the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Many communities are taking that advice, closing schools, and non- essential businesses, such as gyms. however, that leaves many, whether it's parents or student-athletes, without access to their accustomed traditional exercise.

Thomas berkery: "it's strange.

It puts them in a place they're not used to.

For a lot of people they don't really care how nice the gym is they just know it's their place, it has the machines they're comfortable with."

When berkery isn't coaching at starkville academy, he runs the starkville swing batting cages.

As a former mississippi state diamond dawg and minor league player, he knows how vital consistent practice is for young athletes.

That's why berkey has left the starkville swing cages open.

Berkery: "it almost resembles what it's like when you're in pro-ball.

During the offseason, your coach sends you home, and your organization sends you a packet they want you to be working on, and it's up to you to do it.

I'm sure there will be kids who slip away and get lazy on us, but a lot of our guys get after it."

Houston head football coach ty hardin can relate to that.

With the cancellation of spring football, hardin has been using social media to post workouts and keep his players active.

Hardin: "i know they're probably bored at home.

I know they're going to find some way to work out and have something to do.

I've had several kids text me saying 'coach, i've knocked my workout out today --what else can i do?'

Hardin isn't only focused on keeping his players up and moving but also his four-year-old daughter, evie.

One way hardin has been doing that is by implementing the "corona combine," where evie has been showing off her 40- yard dash.

Hardin: "as a football coach, during season, there's not much time you get to spend with your family.

I'm trying to use this time to create some memories you might lose in the future."

Courtney: "you going to have your daughter ready for the nfl draft by the time this is over?"

Hardin: "she might be.

She has that swag.

She's something else."

Social media has quickly become a trend and a tool for remaining active.

Challenges such as the "see ten, do ten, send ten" are popping up all over social media.

Glenn parker: "just to see other people going through the same thing, they're going through and pushing each other to work out is very beneficial."

As a personal trainer, parker has taken to social media to promote exercise in the home and show his clients simple movements that require no equipment.

"squats, jumping jacks, jump rope if you have it, push- ups.

There's plenty of things you can do without equipment.

I incorporate that into the workouts."

However, berkery says the most straightforward exercise for families is merely getting outside together.

Berkery: "get out and do it with them.

That's what my kids love about it.

When we get out in the yard and see me running around or jumping, rolling in the mud.

I think it makes it more exciting."

Reporting in columbus, courtney robb wcbi sports.

High school sports in mississippi remain suspended at least through april 17th