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If youre a parent looking for a way to keep your kids active and busy while theyre stuck in quarantine, the Rising New York Road Runners (Rising NYRR) virtual exercise program, Active at Home, is something to look into. The program, which is free, is designed for kids in kindergarten through high school, and it promotes physical literacy and keeps children active while in lockdown. There are photos and descriptions for each exercise, so parents can help their kids perform them correctly, and there are also instructional videos from U.S. Olympic medallist and NYRR ambassador Jenny Simpson.

The Rising NYRR have been running physical literacy and physical education programs in public schools for over 20 years, and Simpson has been an ambassador for the last three. Simpson is a three-time world championship medallist (including gold in the 1,500m in 2011) and a three-time Olympian who won a bronze medal at the Rio Games.

RELATED: World Athletics has a new initiative to keep people active at home

The goal of the Rising NYRR program is to teach kids of all ages how to lead healthy lives, and the organization puts on over 100 free events each year. Organizers are certainly eager to encourage running, but the main goal is to promote a general active and healthy lifestyle.

Active at Home launched on March 31, and since then, its reached over 17,000 households. The programs core values are the same as before COVID-19, but the Rising NYRR team had to make some alterations to their normal program so it could work for kids at home.

RELATED: Virtual race series gives Canadian kids chance to race during COVID-19

We had to assume that kids have zero equipment and no one to do it with, Simpson says. Were not doing this for one kid, were doing it for kids all around the world, so we needed to have something that resonates with kids everywhere.

Activities are all pre-recorded, and each video is filed on the NYRR website, so kids can revisit older sessions they like the most. Just like the in-school program, Active at Home has age-appropriate exercises and videos for all kids.

I have an activity where I do stretches with a teddy bear thats intended for the little ones, Simpson says. Then we have more traditional exercises, like pushups and burpees, for middle school and high school kids.

RELATED: Living room strength workout for runners

Simpson credits her success as a runner to a physical education teacher who convinced her to join an after-school running program when she was child.

That really set the path for me to explore track and field in middle school and high school. That teacher gave me the small bit of attention that changed my life, she says. Having had that experience personally, I know that public school is such a beautiful and diverse way to reach so many kids. Thats one of the reasons why she believes in the Rising NYRR programs and loves acting as an ambassador for the group.

RELATED: The trail runners at-home strength workout

Its been such a gift to me to be able to put something positive out in the world during this time, she says. Its been a real blessing to have this as a positive outlet for me to say, No matter what happens with me, Im able to give back in positive way through Active at Home.'

Active at Home is available to families anywhere in the world, and it is 100 per cent free to sign up and participate. Click here to find out more.

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Jenny Simpson and Rising NYRR are keeping kids active in quarantine - Canadian Running Magazine

John Raffel, john.raffel@pioneergroup.com

BIG RAPIDS Student-athletes arent on campus but Ferris State coaches have been working around that to make sure their performers stay in good physical shape.

At Ferris State with its hockey program, thats where Dave Cencer comes in. He has been serving as strength and conditioning coach.

In his time with Ferris State hockey, Cencer has implemented the latest in sports science technology, using First Beat Technologies to monitor heart rate, energy expenditure and recovery.

Cencer also coordinates all on-ice and off-ice strength training and conditioning for the Bulldogs. Along with his efforts working with Bulldog hockey, Cencer also coordinates strength and conditioning for the FSU womens soccer program.

He holds a masters degree in exercise science along with certifications from the NSCA (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and USA Weightlifting.

Its been kind of an interesting process, to be honest with you, Cencer said of his summer work during the Coronavirus pandemic. Just like everyone else in this situation, theres no real road map to figure out how to navigate this. We use an online platform with our athletes, with our hockey players. Its an app they dial in their phones. It works out well in this situation with everyone being at home.

It allows me to give a specific workout each individual needs to get without leaving their home. Everyone has access to different things; we have some players who essentially have full weight rooms in their houses and can have a normal summer program. Then theres guys with maybe just a couple of weights. Weve been creative with some guys.

He noted he had one player with extra time on his hands who made a set of dumbbells out of wood.

Photo: Photo Courtesy Of Ferris State University

Ferris hockey players working to stay in shape in unique ways

Weve had to get creative with each guy, Cencer said. You have to keep them active. Theyre all active. A lot of them appreciate a routine. Theyre so routine based during the school year and the hockey season. Its so important to keep them active physically because it gives them a base they need once things get to where they can start training again. Its important for them mentally to stay active and stick to that routine.

Cencer said he has weekly conference calls set up with each class as a hockey coaching staff. Text messages and a handful of phone calls are included to keep communicating.

It depends on that guy but I probably hear from everybody once or twice a week, Cencer said.

Players partake in some type of workout on a regular basis.

Cencer said Ferris has 20 returning hockey players.

A majority of the work is with those guys, he said. We have some incoming freshmen and the NCAA, like everybody, is trying to navigate through that. Things are different than they would be in the past. Wed usually have an orientation and get them involved that way. Weve handled things over the phone and the NCAA has allowed me to send them programs as well.

Under normal circumstances, after the season ends, Ferris hockey players would get a two-week break.

Then wed get going during the spring semester, Cencer said. So while theyre still on campus, wed have workouts five days a week. Once exam week comes, we give them time off to focus on their studies. During the summer, there would be programs for those players still on campus and those who are at home.

Over the years, a lot it has changed, Cencer said. The athletes have changed quite a bit. Its different dealing with young people now. People will continue to change. A lot of it is the technology.

Hes communicating with players who right now are in Europe.

In Europe, guys can go to gyms, they just have to wear masks and practice social distancing, Cencer said.

Ice rinks generally are not accessible for his players during the pandemic, Cencer added.

Theres so much skating and so much on-ice time involved in hockey so right now maybe its a blessing in disguise, Cencer said. They can focus on their strength. I think there are good things that will come out of this.

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Ferris hockey players working to stay in shape in unique ways - The Pioneer

Climbing OutIts not easy for a business to be shut down seriously curtailing or even eliminating all revenue for any period of time. But its much more frustrating not to know how long that period of time will actually be. Thats where Massachusetts businesses deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic stand right now in a limbo of treading water and being as flexible, creative, and patient as they can while they await word on when the state will reopen its economy, and what form that re-emergence will take.

At some point in early March, Ashley Batlles knew what was coming. And she knew what it meant for her health and wellness spa, Beauty Batlles Lounge, that she opened in Chicopee about a year ago.

This is a personal, physical-contact business. Youre definitely in close proximity with the client, giving them a service that everyone looks forward to something theyre accustomed to making part of their schedule, Batlles said. Yet, the rumblings were that, at some point, the rising threat of COVID-19 was going to force businesses to shut their doors. So we tried to get as many clients in as we could.

And then, suddenly, those appointments that clients look forward to were cancelled, postponed until well, nobody knows yet. And thats the problem for businesses the state deemed non-essential: the unknown.

Toward the end of April, the Baker-Polito administration extended the statewide essential-services emergency order by two weeks, from May 4 to May 18. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services can only continue operations through remote means if at all possible.

For Batlles, well she cant offer facials, waxing, microblading, and other treatments remotely. And she was unable to access benefits through the CARES Act and other government relief measures.

My anxiety level has been very, very high. It hasnt been fun, not knowing when well begin to open and what kind of measures will be asked of us by the state and city to be able to reopen, she said, noting that, as a one-woman operation, it will be easy to comply with social-distancing regulations sure to accompany any sort of reopening.

Whats less certain is how customers will respond to all types of interactions, not just her services.

Im going to be able to open up my doors and get everyone in as quick as possible thats what I would love to do, but I think its going to be a soft situation, where, little by little, were getting back to business, she explained, noting that some people will be leery of close contact at first, especially since the virus doesnt tend to show symptoms for a while.

Still, most business owners shuttered by the pandemic would love an opportunity to at least try to get back to normal, even if they understand why the governor put the stay-at-home mandate in place.

Rick Sullivan

We may be seeing the number of cases plateauing, but [development of] a vaccine, or treatment medication, is still in its infancy, so the data still says go slow. I do think some businesses previously deemed non-essential could have protocols put in place to allow partial reopening. However, nobody wants to reopen prematurely and see worse spikes later in the year.

While we expected and understand Governor Bakers decision to extend the stay-at-home advisory, that tough decision underscores the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in as a business community, said Nancy Creed, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. Were doing a balancing act between wanting to get back to work and getting back to work in a safe manner.

Many of her members supported the two-week extension; a late-April chamber poll, right before the non-essential closures were extended by two weeks, asked what worried them more: the spread of the virus if restrictions were loosened too soon, or the negative economic impact of not reopening quickly enough. It also asked if Massachusetts was ready for a May 4 reopening.

Seventy-seven percent responded that the spread of the virus was more worrisome, and an overwhelming number 91% responded that Massachusetts was not ready for a May 4 reopening, Creed said, clearly revealing that much of the business community is concerned about protecting those most vulnerable and stopping the spread of the disease, and demonstrating the commitment our business community has to the community as a whole.

Rick Sullivan, president of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, took a similar outlook.

I do not think that anyone is surprised that the shutdown has been extended, as the governor has been clear he will follow the data as to when to begin reopening the economy, Sullivan said. We may be seeing the number of cases plateauing, but [development of] a vaccine, or treatment medication, is still in its infancy, so the data still says go slow. I do think some businesses previously deemed non-essential could have protocols put in place to allow partial reopening. However, nobody wants to reopen prematurely and see worse spikes later in the year.

All that may be true, but its still difficult and, for many businesses, exceptionally concerning to stay closed this long, and possibly longer. Businesses are doing what they can to be creative, in many cases opening doors of commerce they will continue to pursue after the COVID-19 threat passes, or even using the time to support other community members in need (more on that later).

But no one likes the uncertainty of not knowing whether May 18 is the real target for reopening, or just another can to be kicked down the road.

Paul DiGrigoli would like to reopen, too.

This has impacted us tremendously, said the owner of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield. We havent had a chance to reach out to all our clients; some we have. But we just have to wait until Charlie Baker gives us the green light, which hopefully will be May 18.

He was able to secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, succeeding in the second round of that programs disbursements after missing on the first round. That will help cover costs like utilities and mortgage interest while keeping his employees paid for eight weeks as well. We went through Community Bank, and they were phenomenal, he said.

And hes getting ready for some anticipated changes when the salon does reopen.

We bought a lot of hand sanitizer to put at the front desk in the school and the salon, weve gotten gloves and masks, and what were going to do initially is get the clients cell phone numbers and call them from the reception desk to let them know when their appointment is available. And well stick with staying six feet apart, spreading out the stations. Both the stylist and the client will have to wear a mask until further notice. Its going to be uncomfortable at first.

As for the school, online training has been effective for theory, but students havent been able to practice what they learn.

In general, he told BusinessWest, were really trying our hardest to get back to normal, but weve really been handcuffed. There has been frustration and anxiety because we dont know what to expect.

Or when to expect it, he added. We dont know when it will happen. Theyre saying May 18, but who the heck knows? Were hoping it doesnt go beyond that, but thank God for the relief funds that really saved us.

Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, polled her members at the end of April and put some of that anxiety into raw numbers. For example, responding businesses are losing an average of $55,837 per month in revenue during the shutdown, and 61% have had to lay off or furlough employees. More than 20% have serious concerns about being able to reopen if the state of emergency extends beyond June 1.

Theyre worried, she said. Rent, utilities, and payroll are three areas that continue to be a struggle.

Amherst is also in an unusual situation, as its a small town that loses more than half its population when UMass Amherst and Amherst College arent in session. The downtown businesses in particular rely heavily on students and now theres talk across the region that colleges might start the fall with distance learning only.

Claudia Pazmany

On the flip side, this has stirred a lot of innovation from businesses who have been deemed non-essential or limited; theyve pivoted or gone online. The creativity and innovation weve seen have been really exciting.

Initially, there hasnt been a lot of grumbling, but theyre generally frustrated and just sad. Everything is unknown, Pazmany told BusinessWest. Theyre fearful so much is unknown, and delays keep coming. We dont have a deadline or guidelines; they just keep pushing back the date, and that causes more fear and anxiety.

And also a good deal of invention, driven by necessity.

On the flip side, this has stirred a lot of innovation from businesses who have been deemed non-essential or limited; theyve pivoted or gone online, Pazmany said. The creativity and innovation weve seen have been really exciting.

Take Zanna, a clothing shop that has been a staple of Amhersts downtown for decades, but has never had an online store. Until now.

You have to look at the good in this crisis, owner Amy Benson said. In my case, it moved me encouraged me to get an online store open. Ive only owned the store a year, so I didnt have time to even think about an online store before. Now I did, so I took the time to get it up and going.

Do I think its the wave of Zannas future? No, but I think its an extension. Well probably keep it going once were open, she added, noting that it opens more opportunities. Were in a transient community. We see people from all over the country, between the university and Amherst College. We all want things to be the way they were, but we know well have to adapt. Some of these new trends, like my online store, Im not going to shut that off.

Benson has been creative in other ways as well, from curbside pickup with everyone wearing masks to virtual shopping, where she walks a customer around the store using an iPad and FaceTime, showing them tops and bottoms and coordinating outfits.

We want customers to be engaged, and they want to hear from us because we form those kinds of relationships, she said. When were FaceTiming, were FaceTiming with a friend and shopping with a friend. Its a really important way to stay connected.

You have to do something, she went on. You cant just close your doors and do nothing. Our customers are women who have supported us for over 40 years; were not going to just shut our doors and not communicate. I do whatever I can to stay engaged with our customers, theyre the lifeline of our business.

In other words, Zanna has come a long way since last month, when Benson was in full panic mode and offering nothing but a gift-certificate promotion. Were not bringing in nearly the revenue we would normally, but were supporting what were able to do right now.

Shes not alone, Pazmany noted, citing examples like restaurants revamping their online presence with expanded takeout menus to Amherst Books shipping and delivering items to customers, to the Amherst Area Chamber itself, which has been connecting with the business community through marketing seminars.

Or taking advantage of an unusual time to do some good in the community.

Deans Beans, based in Orange, has seen a surge in web sales as coffee drinkers are brewing more at home due to social distancing and telecommuting. With COVID-19 causing great economic hardship, the company has chosen to share the money from these web sales with the community by helping to fund school food programs a total of $26,000, in fact, divided among seven Western Mass. school districts.

Making sure children have access to food throughout this pandemic is crucial, and we are proud to support these essential programs in Springfield, Amherst, and Orange, said Dean Cycon, founder and CEO of Deans Beans. Part of a companys profitability is the positivity it generates for others, and we are committed to helping our communities ease the pain of this crisis.

Amy Benson

You have to look at the good in this crisis. In my case, it moved me encouraged me to get an online store open. Ive only owned the store a year, so I didnt have time to even think about an online store before. Now I did, so I took the time to get it up and going.

Meanwhile, Batlles has launched the Hero Project, a virtual fundraiser designed to give back to those on the front lines fighting the pandemic. Funds raised will be set aside to provide complimentary self-care services at Beauty Batlles Lounge for healthcare professionals, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and employees of sheriffs departments, once she can open her doors again. Visit beautybatlles.com to donate.

Considering the masks theyre wearing all day long, theyre going to need facials when this is done, Batlles joked, before getting serious.

I reached out to my nurse friends and heard their stories, about the trauma theyre going through. One friend works in the ICU at a COVID unit she goes into work one day and has four patients, and when its time to leave, she only has one. That has to do something to you. How can I give back to them? Thats where the idea for the Hero Project came in.

Its a way to pay it forward while anticipating the light at the end of the tunnel, she told BusinessWest. This isnt easy on anybody.

It would be easier with some clarity from Beacon Hill, but thats not coming right now. Instead, Baker convened a Reopening Advisory Board of public-health officials, representatives from the business community, and municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth. They are charged with advising the administration on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics, and are expected to develop a report by May 18.

Thats just the report date. So its easy to see why businesses might not suddenly be reopening on that date.

Personally, every time Governor Baker gives us a date when were going to open, I think, hmm, I dont know if thats going to happen, Benson said. Im always thinking, whats the worst-case scenario? June 1? They keep pushing it back.

Thats why it bothers Batlles that some proprietors of businesses like hers continue to offer services from their home.

We should all just be staying stationary; were all in the same boat, she said. That just puts more stress on business owners who are actually following the rules, and its could extend the time were going to be out of work.

Which, for too many business owners and employees across Western Mass., already feels like too long.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [emailprotected]

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Waiting for the Economy to Reopen Is a Frustrating Exercise - Business West

HOLLAND LANDING, Ontario, May 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inscape (TSX: INQ), a leading designer and manufacturer of furnishings for the workplace, is providing an update on the companys response to the COVID-19 crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Inscapes primary focus has been the health and well-being of our employees while keeping the business moving forward and delivering products to our customers in need.

The economic impact from COVID-19 on the global economy has been unprecedented. In anticipation of its impacts, Inscape took aggressive actions to minimize all non-essential spending while re-evaluating certain commitments to reduce the anticipated short-term impact to our cash flow. As part of this exercise, we also had to eliminate some full-time positions and temporarily furlough certain employees to achieve further savings.

We are thankful that some of our major customers who provide essential services have continued their planned purchasing and installations, but, like others in our industry, our business has been impacted by other projects that have been postponed or delayed as customers wait to evaluate the economic effects of the crisis or have been unable to take deliveries as previously contemplated.

Our two manufacturing facilities have remained in operation as per government guidelines and are following Public Health Agency of Canada, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization best practices to ensure the safety of all our employees who are required to be onsite at these facilities. Most of our office staff relating to these facilities as well as our showrooms and sales teams are working remotely and continue to support the companys operations.

As we anticipated, additional initiatives relating to people costs are required. Inscape is now implementing a Work-Share program to include most of the salaried office staff in the companys headquarters and anticipate similar actions will need to be taken in our walls operations in late June as part of the overall cost reduction program. Team members who cannot work a reduced work week in view of business demands will be taking a 20% salary reduction. Additionally, Inscapes leadership team will take a 25% salary reduction while the CEO will be taking a 30% salary reduction.

These employee initiatives will be in force for the next three months and re-evaluated quarterly. The leadership team and CEO salary reductions will be in force for six months. The Board of Directors is also reducing their cash compensation by 30% for a similar period of time as the leadership group.

These measures are in addition to the companys efforts to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs, some of which have already proven successful and some of which the company anticipates will be available, which together with the people initiatives and thorough working capital management have allowed us to reinforce our balance sheet and prepare us for the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to report that at the end of the fiscal year-end as at April 30, 2020 the company was debt-free, excluding a $1 million loan expected to convert to a full grant during Q1 of the current fiscal year, had over $5.9 million in cash and our $5 million bank operating loan facility was unutilized.

Inscape is actively developing selling strategies, evaluating and adapting existing product development plans and improving our operating efficiencies to enable us to be resilient in the face of this adversity and to ensure we will be in a much stronger position to grow our business as the economic recovery begins.

Forward-looking InformationThis press release includes certain forward-looking information that is based on Inscapes best information and judgments as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to Inscapes plans to implement a Work-Share program and the departments that will affect, the employees that are subject to a salary reduction, as well as the size and length of the salary reduction, the length of time that the initiatives will be in place and the frequency with which they are evaluated, Inscapes ability to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs and the impacts thereof, the sufficiency of Inscapes liquidity position in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic results and Inscapes ability to develop and deploy new selling strategies, product development plans and operating efficiencies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements found throughout this press release.

These forward-looking statements are based on our plans, intentions or expectations and include known and unknown assumptions and other factors which, if incorrect, may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, assumptions about the rate of economic growth in North America in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there being no cases of COVID-19 in Inscapes workforce and the assumption that no members of the workforce are required to self-isolate, there being no material disruption to Inscapes supply chains, growth expectations for the contract office furniture business, currency fluctuations and Inscape being able to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs in sufficient amounts to positively impact its balance sheet.

The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the discussion, including but not limited to, there being cases of COVID-19 in the Companys workforce, disruptions to Inscapes supply chain due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak having a material adverse impact on Inscapes operations and liquidity position (other than as anticipated herein) and resulting in longer than expected salary reductions, furloughs or other employee initiatives and Inscape not being able to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs. See also Risks and Uncertainties of Inscapes most recent management discussion and analysis and annual information form for more information. While management believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure that they will be correct. In evaluating forward-looking information and statements, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information and statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligations to update publicly or otherwise revise any such factors or any of the forward-looking information or statements contained herein to reflect subsequent information, events or developments, changes in risk factors or otherwise.

About Inscape Since 1888, Inscape has been designing products and services that are focused on the future, so businesses can adapt and evolve without investing in their workspaces all over again. Our versatile portfolio includes systems furniture, storage, and walls all of which are adaptable and built to last. Inscapes wide dealer network, showrooms in the United States and Canada, along with full service and support for all our clients, enable us to stand out from the crowd. We make it simple. We make it smart. We make our clients wonder why they didnt choose us sooner. myinscape.com

Media Contact:Atiyeh Ghanbariaghanbari@myinscape.com 647 355 8514

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Inscape's Response to Impact of COVID-19 Toronto Stock Exchange:INQ - GlobeNewswire

Welcome to MH Certified, where Mens Health puts its stamp of approval on the best products you need to look, feel, and live better than ever before.

I'VE TESTED A lot of smartwatches over the past few years. Some lean into action sports and fitness, while others do their damnedest to serve as a wrist-borne computer, aiming to replace the smartphone in your pocket. Most, however, aim to land somewhere between the two, serving as a do-everything device that fits every occasion. Most fail.

The Garmin Venu does better to achieve that do-everything goal than just about every watch I've tried outside of the Apple ecosystem, which is saying something. The Venu has all the fitness bells and whistles you could want, with a standout GPS (typically what you expect from Garmin) and solid smartwatch functionality.

But the big draw here that makes the Venu worthy of MH Certified status isn't just one feature; it's the sum of all its parts. The smartwatch is one of the most wearable, usable devices I've testedwhich is saying something, because I've kept it on for the better part of three months through the coronavirus pandemic quarantine.

I STARTED TESTING the Venu in late February (a.k.a., the before times). I loved how it felt on my wrist from the first wearthe device isn't flimsy, but it's lighter than other GPS watches I've tried that weigh down my hand and feel clunky once I start to move around. A two-button layout is simple to navigate, and the buttons don't protrude The pebbled silicone band is gym-ready, but looks and feels premium, not like cheaper, plasticky options I've worn before. The AMOLED display is crisp and instantly legible, while the default watch face, which is relatively basic, has a brilliant burst of color that catches the eye. The last time I went to a public event before lockdown, a friend's wedding at which I served as a groomsman, I didn't think twice about pairing the Venu with my tux and bow tie. Likewise, the watch never dug into my wrist or felt like an imposition to wear as I've spent almost all of my quarantine time indoors on the couch.

Using the Venu is simple, too. One tap on the top button, and you can select from any of the 20-plus exercise modes; one long hold of the same button and you're at a larger menu that gives you options to control just about every available function. To view fitness data, swiping up on the screen immediately gives you all of your daily health stats at a glance, along with more detailed charts, weather, and notifications as you progress through the screens. Left swipes let you set up shortcutsin my case, the option for contactless payments, one of my favorite smartwatch features.

WHILE THE VENU checks most of the boxes you would likely want for a do-everything device, its focus is still mostly on fitness and exercise. As an activity tracker, the watch performs admirablyit's easy to take in stats at a glance during runs and bike rides, useful to track laps and intervals during runs, and the GPS functionality is top-notch. There are also pre-designed workout plans available you can access on your watch through the Garmin Connect app, but those are most likely going to be appealing for novice exercisers. More useful are the guided programs, which can walk you through training for a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon race.

Screenshot/Brett Williams

Strength training tracking, the other feature I used heavily, is imperfect for the manner it's supposed to workbut I found that I really enjoyed using the watch in my own way. The Venu is designed to track your moves, and if you review the recorded data in the app after it's synced, you'll see that the session is broken out into different exercises recorded by the device's sensors. The app captures basic movements like curls and squats relatively well, but misses out on more complicated exercises most of the time.

That's fine by me, since I'm already aware of what exercises I'm doing throughout my split. Instead, I use a simple button press to track my sets and restwhich is, shockingly, not a common feature in smartwatches that I've tested in the past. This feature enables you to identify how much time you actually spent working during your session by displaying the active minutes on the watch face when you save the data, which can be a wakeup call to get off your butt if you're not already conscious of your break time.

THROUGH MOST OF my use, I've depended on the Venu to keep me connected to the outside world while still giving me space to breathe. Since the lockdown period began, I've been inundated with terrible news about the situation on my phone from every platform. There are times when I need to put it downbut I still want to be able to check notifications in case I receive urgent messages that affect me more personally. Small buzzes on my wrist, which I can choose to raise to check in the moment or not, are much more manageable to me than a stream of information flooding my phone screen.

This type of notification management isn't unique to the Venujust about every smart device receives phone alerts in some formbut Garmin's stress tracking is an even more useful feature for the current moment. Along with a "Body Battery," which purports to monitor your energy levels, the Venu tracks your stress level using the heart rate monitor to measure heart rate variability. Most of the time, I don't even bother with the metric. But on the first day of the first full week of quarantine, when I first started to feel like the world was falling apart, the Venu buzzed on my wrist and reminded me to breathe.

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The watch itself does nothing to relieve my stressthere is a mindful breathing guide feature, though, if that's your speedbut these haptic reminders are a helpful jolt to break me from whatever doom spiral has highjacked my mind. Sometimes, the best use for a smartwatch is to tear you away from a narrow focus to open up to what's actually going on outside of the screen on your wrist.

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Garmin Venu Smartwatch Review - 3-Month Wear of the $300 Device - menshealth.com

BOONE, N.C. Appalachian State University is one of 166 universities and colleges around the world recently honored by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise is Medicine initiative for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus.

Appalachian earned gold-level designation from the Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) program, one of only 77 institutions receiving this top distinction. Among the other schools honored, 62 received silver and 27 bronze.

The Exercise is Medicine On Campus initiative has helped us to find innovative, new ways to care for our students well-being, to get them more engaged in their health and to transform their understanding of the health benefits of exercise.

Dr. E. Torre Hinnant, staff physician at Appalachians M.S. Shook Student Health Service

EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.

Most notably, Appalachians collaborative projects to create a culture of wellness included the following series of activities in October 2019:

All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized May 27 as part of the 11th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine, held in conjunction with ACSMs 67th Annual Meeting.

We are thrilled to recognize these campuses commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives, said Robyn Stuhr, vice president of Exercise is Medicine. These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.

Dr. E. Torre Hinnant, staff physician at M.S. Shook Student Health Service, said, We at Appalachian State University are honored to receive the gold-level designation by the American College of Sports Medicine Exercise is Medicine initiative.

Hinnant continued, Students, clinicians, staff and faculty have benefited greatly from the Exercise is Medicine events and projects on our campus and in the community. The exercise prescription and referral process was so successful last year that we are planning on expanding the program and including it with every Student Health Service visit in fall semester 2020. The Exercise is Medicine On Campus initiative has helped us to find innovative, new ways to care for our students well-being, to get them more engaged in their health and to transform their understanding of the health benefits of exercise.

Appalachians Exercise is Medicine campuswide initiative grew out of a Student Well-being Improvement Team (SWIT team) housed in the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services in the Division of Student Affairs. This team of faculty, staff and students was brought together to advance education and outreach focused on physical activity and nutrition. The team formally began planning Exercise is Medicine projects in January 2018.

The following Appalachian faculty and staff worked on the campaign:

EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. Gold-level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while bronze-level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.

View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program.

To stay apprised of Appalachians future Exercise is Medicine opportunities or if you wish to collaborate, visit https://fitness.appstate.edu/eimappstate.

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Oct. 30, 2018

Throughout October, students, faculty and staff at Appalachian are taking their medicine one push-up, one dead lift and one hike at a time by participating in the Exercise Is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) program.

March 18, 2020

App States Dr. Rebecca Battista offers tips and resources for staying physically active during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 14 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Services, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Engagement and Leadership, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Multicultural Student Development, Student Legal Clinic and Off Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

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Exercise is Medicine recognizes App State for its culture of wellness - Appalachian State University

As the states economy slowly reopens, many people are still at home with a lot of potential sedentary time on their hands. Exercise can be a useful way to pass some that time.

Margaret Bryant, a physical therapist with Parkland Hospital System, shared ideas for exercising at home with Vital Signs host Sam Baker.

The KERA Interview with Margaret Bryant

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

Benefits Of Exercise

It is well-documented that even the simplest exercise of walking does release some cortisol from our brain and allows our stress level to slowly decrease when that exercise becomes consistent. There's better breathing, better sleeping and overall improved health.

How To Get Started

It usually takes for me [having] somebody else to help motivate me, so I'm kind of turning to others for that. Support is a good way to start.

Actually, exercise at home becomes more of a fun activity that allows you to really experience more than being inside of a gym. I would recommend creating a space inside the home or even outside the home to allow you to be in the moment and get focused on what you want to accomplish.

Exercises You Can Do At Home

To get the little ones going, create programs or activities kids enjoy doing:

There's all kinds of creative ways to toss the ball, bounce the ball.

For adults:

Remember Any Movement Is Exercise:

Going to the grocery store, mowing the yard, doing your laundry all those things. When you are moving, you're exercising.

Sleep Is Also Important:

Your body is able to heal and repair. Everything is getting re oxygenated. Tissues are allowed to heal and repair and it's key. It's definitely key to get enough sleep.

RESOURCES:

How to Do 8 Different Plyometric Exercises

How To DIY A Circuit Training Workout At Home

American College of Sports & Medicine: Staying Active During The Caronavirus Pandemic

Just Keep Moving. And Sometimes Double Your Distance

Work Out While Staying Safe During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Interview highlights have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Got a tip? Email Sam Baker atsbaker@kera.org. You can follow Sam on Twitter@srbkera

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members.If you find this reporting valuable, considermaking a tax-deductible gifttoday. Thank you.

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Exercise: A Healthy Way To Spend Time At Home During The Pandemic - KERA News

Elon Musk

Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Images

Elon Musk could save billions of dollars in taxes over time if he moves his company and his home to Nevada or Texas, according to tax accountants.

Musk, who is embroiled in a battle with the state of California and Alameda County over his efforts to reopen Tesla's factory, tweeted threats over the weekend to move the company to Nevada or Texas.

"This is the final straw," Musk tweeted. "Tesla will move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately."

If Musk moved his primary residence from California, which has the highest income tax rate in the country, he could save hundreds of millions of dollars, if not billions, in income taxes in the coming years. Texas and Nevada have no income tax.

There are no signs that personal taxes factor in to Musk's decisions regarding the best future location for the electric car maker. Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about Musk's plans.

But accountants for California's rich say that Musk would join a growing list of wealthy residents moving to Nevada and Texas to avoid California's famously high income taxes.

"If I were a betting man, I would say the odds are the taxes are a consideration," said Daniel Morris, a certified public accountant and senior partner at Morris + D'Angelo in San Jose, California, who works with a number of wealthy tech executives. "How could it not be?"

Musk's tax rates have taken on new importance because of his latest compensation program. The package, awarded in 2018, gives him tranches of stock options based on the company hitting certain operating and market-value goals.

According to Tesla's filings, the package could net him a total of more than $55 billion over time if the company meets a series of targets. The first tranche was triggered last week, but not yet officially awarded, and would be worth more than $780 million in profits for Musk. He would pay income taxes on the profits from stock options when he exercises the options.

California imposes an income tax rate of 13.3% on its highest earners. So if Musk exercised the options while he was a California resident, he would pay $104 million in taxes. If he waits until he moves to Texas or Nevada, he would owe no state income taxes on the sale effectively saving $104 million.

If Tesla meets all the targets set out in the compensation plan, and Musk moves to Nevada or Texas, he would save more than $7 billion in state taxes on the $55 billion in estimated compensation.

Some of the targets Musk must meet in the plan are tied to the company's market capitalization. Tesla shares have soared nearly 240% over the past year, and 94% since the start of the year, to put the stock's market value above $150 billion. Other milestones are tied to revenue and profitability benchmarks.

Morris said the beauty of stock option pay is that the wealthy can choose when to exercise those grants. So even though Musk received the options grant this year while he was a resident of California, he could wait until be establishes residency in Nevada or Texas before exercising them.

"That's why you see all these wealthy tech guys moving to the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe," Morris said. "You just have to make sure you don't go back to California frequently."

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Elon Musk could save billions in taxes if Tesla moves its headquarters to Nevada or Texas - CNBC

LINCOLN Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts on Monday announced guidelines for youth baseball and softball to get underway in June.

Practices can begin on June 1 and games on June 18. Among the restrictions is no spectator use of bleachers.

Additionally, schools can open weight rooms on June 1 subject to social distancing no more than 10 in the room and they must be six feet apart.

"We're stepping into this slowly to see how this works," Gov. Ricketts said.

Why baseball and softball?

"Because they're the sports that are more socially distant anyway," he said. "And we want to take this a step at a time, roll this out, and see how we can make this work."

State Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said that officials will be watching how players, fans and coaches interact to see how it works and what they can learn in restoring sports in the fall.

Blomstedt said that the baseball/softball guidelines were developed with an eye towards "what's safe and what works" for teams, games and practices.

"We expect to learn from this," he said.

He said schools were getting a lot of questions about the use of their facilities for sports.

He heads up an effort called "Launch Nebraska" which deals with how to reopen schools and all activities.

The below guidelines apply only for team sports. Individual sports such as golf and tennis (including doubles tennis) are not prohibited under any Directed Health measure. However, participants must practice social distancing.

Month of May

- No organized team sports games for youth and adults.

- No team organized sports practices for youth and adults. This prohibition includes any practice, training or group exercise program organized by a coach of a sports team.

- Businesses and organizations that provide sports training and that sell memberships to provide such training are allowed to offer sports training as long as they follow the same guidelines as fitness centers/clubs, gymnasiums health clubs and health spas, no team organized training is allowed.

June 1

- Schools are permitted to open weight rooms for use by all student athletes as long as they follow the same guidelines as fitness centers/clubs, gymnasiums, health clubs and health spas.

- Team organized practices for baseball and softball may begin unless circumstances dictate a change in date.

- Dugout use will not be allowed. Players items should be lined up against the fence at least six feet apart.

- Parents must remain in their cars or drop off and pick up players afterwards.

- Players should use their own gloves, helmet and bats as much as possible.

- Coaches are responsible for ensuring social distancing is maintained between players as much as possible. This means additional spacing between players while playing catch, changing drills so the players remain spaced out, no congregating the players while waiting to bat.

- Players must bring their own water/beverage to consume during and after practice. No shared drinking fountains or coolers.

- Players must bring their own snacks to consume during and after practice. No shared communal snacks.

- Coaches must sanitize shared equipment before and after each practice.

- Team organized practices for other sports may remain suspended.

June 18

- Baseball and softball games may begin unless circumstances dictate a change in date.

- Same guidelines apply as above for baseball and softball practices.

- Use of dugouts is permitted during games only. Bleachers located between the dugout and home plate should also be used to spread out players. Players should have designated spots to place their personal items. Coaches must designate an adult who is responsible for ensuring players are seated on the benches, unless they are actively participating in the game.

- Players should use their own gloves, helmets and bats as much as possible.

- Fan attendance is limited to household members of the players on the team. No use of bleachers for fans. Fans must bring their own chairs or stand. Fans should keep six feet of social distance between different household units. No fan seating or standing is allowed in the area from behind home plate to six feet past the far end of each dugout.

- Teams to play next must be provided designated areas for player warm-ups that provide for necessary social distancing.

- Post game handshakes or interaction between teams are prohibited.

- When games end, the leaving team must sanitize the dugout area. No postgame talks at the field are permitted. Fans and players must leave the playing area and return to their cars immediately after the game.

- The team to play next must remain in their designated warm up area until the prior team has finished sanitizing and is completely out of the dugout.

- Fans for upcoming games must remain in their cars during player warmups. They will be permitted to come to the field once the team they are there to watch enters the dugout area.

- Restrooms must be cleaned and sanitized regularly while players and fans are present. Markings should be placed on the ground to ensure individuals waiting to use the restroom, or space six feet apart.

- Players must bring their own water/beverage to consume during and after practices and games. No shared drinking fountains or coolers.

- Players must bring their own snacks to consume during and after practices and games. No shared communal snacks.

- Coaches must sanitize shared equipment before and after each practice and game.

- Concession stands are not allowed to be open.

- Team organized practices and games for other sports may remain suspended.

Staff reporter Paul Hammel contributed to this report.

____________________________________________________________

Matthew Meacham steps outside for photos while wearing his cap and gown after watching the University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduation celebration.

Matthew Meacham wears his cap and gown while watching the University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduation celebration with his mom, Jeanette, sibling Kai and their miniature Australian shepherd, Ryder, at his family's Omaha home on Saturday.

Parishioners pray during Mass at Saint Cecilia Cathedral on Sunday in Omaha.

Deacon James Tardy reads during Mass at Saint Cecilia Cathedral on Sunday in Omaha.

Scott Hazelrigg cant bring kids to NorthStar, so hes going to their homes to make sure they are doing okay during the pandemic.

William Sherrod, top, hugs his mother Rhonda Scott in their front yard Wednesday while talking with NorthStar president Scott Hazelrigg. Hazelrigg is visiting youths who used to attend NorthStar enrichment programs but can't because of the coronavirus.

Ron Helms hands out masks at Saint Cecilia Cathedral on Sunday in Omaha.

Emmanuel Saunz performs mariachi music for healthcare workers outside OneWorld Community Health Center in Omaha on Friday, May 8, 2020. The clinic has been testing potential novel coronavirus patients in the parking lot of the south Omaha location.

A letter of appreciation for those on the frontlines of the novel coronavirus pandemic outside a home in Omaha on Wednesday, May 06, 2020.

A message of hope during the novel coronavirus pandemic from a home in Omaha on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

People dine at Harold's Koffee House on the first day of loosened coronavirus restrictions on Monday, May 04, 2020.

A worker uses a swab to test someone for coronavirus at a drive-thru testing site in Lot D of the CHI Health Center on Monday.

CHI Health medical professionals applaud a child who underwent testing for the novel coronavirus on Monday outside Omahas downtown arena.

Medical workers wait for people at a tent at a drive through testing site in Lot D of the CHI Health Center on Monday, May 04, 2020. This was part of the TestNebraska initiative launched two weeks ago by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Volunteers and members of the Nebraska National Guard unload donations at the Food Bank for the Heartland 10525 J St., on Saturday, May 02, 2020.

A member of the Nebraska National Guard directs traffic during a food drive at the Food Bank for the Heartland 10525 J St., on Saturday, May 02, 2020.

Volunteers and members of the Nebraska National Guard unload donations at the Food Bank for the Heartland 10525 J St., on Saturday, May 02, 2020.

Arthur, 5, and Romona McIver, 9, pick up free eCreamery ice cream being given out for First Friday in the drive-thru at Dundee Bank in Omaha on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Free eCreamery ice cream is given out for First Friday in the drive-thru at Dundee Bank in Omaha on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Allie Schima picks up free eCreamery ice cream is given out for First Friday in the drive-thru at Dundee Bank in Omaha on Friday, May 1, 2020.

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Youth baseball and softball to resume in Nebraska - Omaha World-Herald

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The next day, conference basketball tournaments across the country were cancelled. The NCAA quickly followed suit, cancelling the NCAA tournament less than a week before it was to begin. At the time, the move seemed unthinkable. Just a few weeks later, it seemed unthinkable to have even considered playing. Intercollegiate spring sports were cancelled. Team activities, along with in-person classes, were suspended.

Unimaginably, in the space of a fortnight, the world of college athletics (along with the professional leagues) shut down. Student athletes across the country left campus and returned to their respective homes, away from their teams and teammates, not knowing when theyd return to the playing field. Or to class, for that matter.

In the weeks since, rumors and speculation of when the games will return have dominated newspapers, blogs and radio shows. With no games on which to report, and sports pages and airtime to fill, the talk has turned to the absence of action on the fields of play. But while the games (or lack thereof) have been discussed at great length, the student athletes themselves have largely not. Thats not to say, however, that theyve been forgotten.

In a recent radio interview, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh was asked if he and his coaches have been in contact with his players. I talk to at least a few guys every day, Harbaugh responded. Harbaugh added, Weve had team meetings, weve had unit meetings, individual meetings, special teams meetings, coaching staff meetings. Doing it all remotely. In short, lots of meetings.

This shouldnt be too surprising. After all, football programs (and to a lesser extent, basketball programs) are the face of college sports. It stands to reason that Michigans coaches (along with college football staffs across the country) are keeping close tabs on their players.

But such interaction is not limited to student athletes who participate in the so-called revenue-generating sports. During a webcast in March, members of Michigans athletic support staff shared stories of interactions with student athletes in sports ranging from gymnastics to soccer to swimming.

And its more than just coaches who are reaching out.

Michigans Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Health and Welfare Officer Darryl Conway describes Michigans plan as a 360 degree approach, with support coming from across disciplines and reaching out across sports. With athletic trainers, dieticians and counsellors in frequent contact with Michigans displaced student athletes, it really is a collective effort.

Fans have obsessed about the hole in their lives that the sports shutdown has left, but for fans, sports are just a sideline, a distraction. For current student athletes, their entire way of life has been disrupted, seemingly overnight. This is not lost on Michigans support staff.

Abigail Eiler, Michigans Assistant Director of Athletic Counselling, points out that the displaced student athletes have gone from a very structured life on campus in a team environment to a very unstructured one at home. The lives the student athletes left behind were, very team oriented and structured and now theyre all independent. With this in mind, Michigans support staff was quick to act. Conway explained that, Everyone (on the support staff) mobilized (quickly), as to what we can do to support the student athletes. The goal, Conway continued, was to, think about what we need to do to support the student athletes.

One way to return some structure to the student athletes lives was to help establish work out regimens. Strength coaches and trainers, therefore, have been at the forefront of Michigans effort. Conway noted that, (Michigans) strength coaches have worked hard to develop exercise programs for them (the student athletes). Knowing that most student athletes dont have access to gyms or even elaborate exercise equipment, the staff has been forced to be creative. Its amazing what you can do with your body weight, Conway said. Harbaugh also discussed the creativity of the trainers and the student athletes. Harbaugh was especially impressed with some of his football players creativity, noting that he had, guys doing squats with backpacks on, one-legged squats and lunges, and even one-legged lunges on a flower pot. Cool stuff, said Harbaugh.

Michigans support staff was also quick to help its student athletes establish nutrition plans. Carolyn Mandel, Michigans Director of Performance Nutrition, talked about being present and available for the athletes, and how important it was to, get the baseline education started immediately then reinforced. Similar to when the student athletes are on campus, Mandel said that her team has created specific diet plans for specific sports.

Theres also the academic side, and Michigans staff of academic counsellors is making sure its displaced student athletes are engaged academically during their time away from campus. Michigans Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director and head of the universitys Academic Success Program, Kenneth Miles, discussed the desire to, try to conduct business as usual, for the student athletes. Its important for us to still set up tutoring and mentoring appointments for our students, Miles said, just as if they were still here physically. Thats what were doing to minimize some of the anxiety that folks might have and try to add clarity to some of the uncertainty.

Its more than fitness, diet and classes, however. The Los Angeles Times reported that prolonged isolation has been linked to increased depression, anxiety and stress. These feelings can be compounded when other factors are at play. Eiler noted that, in particular, a break in routine coupled with the uncertainty surrounding a return to normalcy can create a lot of anxiety in college students.

Eiler and the athletic counselling department are doing what they can to combat this. This includes not only helping establish new routines, but also, keeping an eye out for any special mental health issues, and, making sure to provide support and linking to local care, should they (student athletes) need it. As much as anything, that means keeping the lines of communication open.

While Michigan is not the only university taking these steps, this behind-the-scenes activity is largely unknown to those who normally tune in just for the games. So, while fans anxiously await the return of intercollegiate athletics, university support staffs, like the one at Michigan, are not only making sure that the displaced student athletes are prepared for their eventual return their respective playing fields, but also that theyre doing well in the interim.

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Student Athlete Welfare During the Coronavirus Shutdown: Out of Sight is Not Out of Mind - Off Tackle Empire

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