Our world changed during March 2020. An insidious virus appeared that killed millions of people before a vaccine could be developed. Many of us stayed home and isolated ourselves.

Until that point, I used to go to a local gym three times a week to exercise. The most important part for me was the elliptical runner. Because of knee problems, I could no longer run on regular surfaces, nor could I use a treadmill. The elliptical took the stress from the knees and allowed me to do 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise. The TVs weren’t always on the channel I would like, and the showers could have used some cleaning (if not just having their soap dispensers stocked on a regular basis).

Once the virus spread throughout the land, gyms shut their doors. I knew I needed to exercise to stay healthy and fit. I found a small elliptical device I could use at home. Not as fancy as the ones at the gym, but sufficient for my purpose. Instead of going only three days a week, I increased my frequency to six, taking Sundays off. Bonus features: The TV always played the channel I wanted, and the shower was much cleaner and always had soap.

After about a month, I began to realize my waist shrank and I lost some weight. The hidden improvements turned out to be something I hadn’t expected.

The first time I went for a fiberscan of my liver after the start of the increased exercise regimen, the result had improved to just above the healthy level. I had to look twice at the screen, and I asked the technician if that number was correct. As it turned out, the increased physical activity (and resulting decline in body fat) allowed my liver to heal.

Hallelujah! All those years I restricted myself from the foods I loved (bread, pizza, bagels) came to an end. While I still did not eat regular pasta (semolina flour is high in fructose), I had become accustomed to the gluten-free variety and stayed with that.

Subsequent tests showed similar results, and I enjoyed returning to regular wheat goods. However, I attempted to find foods with as much fiber as possible.

Many people I know had frustrating experiences during the lockdown years, but, as it turned out, most of what I did on a regular basis was on the internet and computer-based, and I did not suffer as much as others. I missed going shopping and dining out, but eventually I learned to survive. We all saved money on gasoline. I learned to accept having items sent to me instead of going to a store.

All in all, I believe I am one of the few people who survived the pandemic and ended up in a better place.