Back in the pre-COVID days, I was living my best fitness life. Thanks to Gympass (basically Classpass’s cousin), I had the golden ticket: unlimited access to gyms, fitness classes, and even cryotherapy. And the best part? I was paying about $150 a month for what easily felt like $900 worth of value. It was probably the best company perk I ever had.
My weekly routine looked something like this: four HIIT classes at CircuitWorks, three cryotherapy sessions, and a sense of satisfaction at the end of it. Then COVID came along and flipped the table.
When the World Shut Down
Suddenly, everything was closed. I tried to keep the fire alive at home with some weights and my newly purchased Peloton bike. Don’t get me wrong, it worked to a point, but the intensity just wasn’t there. HIIT classes push you in a way home workouts simply can’t. Slowly, my progress slipped away. To make matters worse, I discovered that alcohol is apparently a cure for boredom — at least temporarily. But let’s just say that habit didn’t exactly help my fitness journey.
The ER Wake-Up Call
Fast forward to the summer of 2023. I had just returned from a trip to Korea when I suddenly felt like I was having a heart attack. Off to the ER I went. After some tests, the doctors gave me fluids that, according to them, were about as effective as an IV ibuprofen. That was my “okay, time to change things” moment.
I went back to CircuitWorks first, but then I got a promotional email from a new place nearby: Basecamp Fitness. I figured, why not try it out? From that first class, I was hooked. I haven’t looked back since.
Finding My Escape at Basecamp
Here’s what I love about Basecamp: unlimited HIIT classes at a good value, energy that feels just right, workouts not as intense as CircuitWorks but just right, and — shocker of all shockers — I actually started learning people’s names. If you know me, you know I’m an introvert. I don’t do names. But here, I’ve met a community that makes me want to.
The results spoke for themselves too. My acid reflux? Pretty much gone unless I decide to test fate with multiple sodas in one sitting. I lost nearly 25 pounds in the first half year. Sure, I gained it back later, but this time it’s different. A lot of it is muscle I didn’t have before, and honestly, I’m eating way more than before — so, fair trade. COVID might’ve fast-forwarded my aging (it wasn’t just me right?), but Basecamp helped me rewind some of those years, at least that’s how I feel.
Beyond Fitness
These days, Basecamp is more than just a workout spot. It’s my escape — my way of pressing reset on stress. Being fitter gives me confidence, energy, and motivation that bleeds into everything else I do.
As for goals? They’re always evolving. Right now, it’s about tackling my dad bod, specifically the stubborn tummy area. But hey, at least I feel stronger than I did before, and that’s a win I’ll take.
If you’ve ever fallen off the fitness wagon (thanks, COVID), know this: it’s never too late to climb back on.
johnro 
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