Physical wellness must still be prioritized

“Friendship and getting our cardio workout in are what we enjoy about exploring the island,” said hike and climb enthusiast Malyn Vergara-Ronquillo. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

We may have to live through this pandemic for many months but that doesn’t mean we also have to be in stasis. We can make good choices along the way like taking care of our physical wellness. Studies show that physical activity and any form of exercise have long-term benefits on health, nutrition, sleep, and effective ways to treat stress, depression and anxiety. Physical wellness is something that you can control, especially during this pandemic, and it is within your control as you can do it in your own home or outside.

Commitment and consistency in physical wellness goes well with peer support and this is what pushes friends Malyn Vergara-Ronquillo, Michelle Z., and Joseph Chin to go all around Saipan on hikes and climbs.

“If you are a morning person, adventurous, loves nature, and in need of physical fitness, join our hikes. We are a diverse group of people who enjoy each other’s company and develop friendship that lasts for a very long time. …We have been doing this long before COVID, but the pandemic gave us more reason to go out there and explore,” said Vergara-Ronquillo.

“We usually just follow ribbons in places that people already tagged or sometimes we follow a different route and kind of make our own trail,” said hike and climb enthusiast Malyn Vergara-Ronquillo

“…We are not afraid to go out to explore the mountains and beaches because, one, we do not have community spread and, second, we are out in the jungle exploring, exercising, and enjoying each other’s company and these are the things I love about our time together,” she added.

Vergara-Ronquillo said that they used to hike only in popular places. “We frequented Forbidden Island and Bird Island pre-COVID but the places that we have been for the last five months have been like new journeys and we discovered that there more places to go on island. …Due to the pandemic we all have these stresses and you have the urge to do things and go to other places but can’t, so going hiking gives me peace of mind. We do a lot of laughing along the trail and we get our cardio workout done at the same time.”

She said the group usually just follow ribbons in places that people have already tagged or “sometimes we follow a different route and kind of make our own trail.” At one point, they even christened a certain rock formation “Windows” because “when we took pictures, the rock formation looked like windows.”

She assured that the group goes prepared, sometimes bringing their own rope for safety and there is internal communication in the group about the things that need to be brought during a hike.

Michelle Z., who has been living on Saipan for 25 years, has found new love for the island every time they discover a new hiking trail and breathtaking landscape.” I have been here almost half of my life and I didn’t even know these places existed until we started this hike group. …Saipan is the best, is very beautiful, and seeing different sights make me love it more,” she said.

“It’s funny because whenever I post a photo, friends would immediately send me messages asking, ‘Where are you?’ ‘Is this on Saipan?” and I simply tell them yes. …Being a businesswoman, my stress level is really high so when I go on a hike, it is a good time to destress, sweat, good cardio and overall a big help for me,” she added.

The worldwide pandemic outbreak in March got Joseph Chin stuck on Saipan. The company he works for temporarily ceased operations and, being from Malaysia, he doesn’t have a lot of friends on Saipan. “I met Malyn and the group and they took me in to join their hikes and climbs. …I was scared during the first hike, then we did it more and I finally got the hang of it. We go to the jungle, we explore, and go in blindly. The best part is when we reach the end and this beautiful scenery opens up to you. I have nothing but awe for the beauty of nature,” he said.

“Since most of my friends from work have left the island already, if I hadn’t found this group, I imagine I will just be in my apartment this whole time and that would be sad. Being with this group, we only have positive vibes for each other and that makes me comfortable and that helps me to feel okay, even away from my home country during the pandemic,” he said.

Derek Cutting, who owns Latte Built-24 Hour Fitness and Nutrition, said that physical wellness plays into so much more than just anyone’s “looks.”

“Working out and exercising naturally releases dopamine in our brains—the “feel good” hormone. This is important for everyone’s wellness, especially for some who may be battling some depression. Secondly, eating nutritious, dense foods keep our immune system strong and able to fight off many foreign germs, diseases, and viruses like COVID-19,” he said.

Latte Built has already reopened both its locations on Saipan in early June. “At first we had to keep our hours restricted due to the government mandates but since we are in a ‘Blue’ phase now, we are back to 24/7 access for all members,” he added.

Latte Built has a couple of health programs: The Barbell Club, which is like a Crossfit type of class conducted by CF Level1 certified Joey Tudela every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30pm, and “Class and a Glass” that puts together yoga exercise and drinking wine in one event that started in September.

Last Friday, yoga instructor Kerri Bauer held the second “Class and a Glass” at the beach near Surf Club in Chalan Kanoa. The next class is on Nov. 19, from 5pm to 6pm. We have an earlier time to accommodate the sunset. …The cost is $8 for Latte Built members and $15 for non-members. The price includes your class and your wine. …The class is about a sense of community and bringing together a group of people who want to spend an evening together for a yoga class followed by a glass of wine,” she said

“Yoga is a restorative and emotional exercise. We are combining the movement of yoga with the breezy and free feeling of sunset at the beach along with a glass of wine.  It’s a workout class with a built-in happy hour alongside people you already have things in common with,” she added.

“Saipan is very beautiful and seeing different sights makes me love it more,” said hike and climb enthusiast Michelle Z.

Bauer said that teaching yoga and getting people into it, especially at the time of a pandemic is advantageous. “Yoga has been established as a means to boost immunity, improve overall health and wellbeing. Lack of proper sleep, poor nutrition, and leading a stressful life all lead to a weakened immune system and vulnerability to sickness. … By having the yoga class by the beach, we can adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, enjoy fresh air, and watch the sunset, which has a calming and meditative  affect that applies to our meditative yoga,” she said.

“During this time, stay active, dedicate time each day to moving your body.  If you can’t get to a gym, take a walk, hike, or swim.  Make sure you get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can weaken your immune system. Make it a habit to try to eat more whole nutritious foods instead of processed snacks or fast food. Cope with stressful feelings by using positive coping mechanisms like exercise, meditation, reading, further developing certain skills or hobbies etc. and, most importantly, stay connected with your loved ones,” she added.

“The class is about a sense of community and bringing together a group of like-minded people,” said Latte Built yoga instructor Kerri Bauer.