Ilya Kovalchuk uses his wife as improvised workout equipment during COVID-19 lockdown.

We all have to find new and creative ways to keep ourselves occupied during the lockdown that has been caused by the global pandemic known simply as COVID-19, a novel strain of the coronavirus, and as a result we have seen all kinds of whacky videos published on social media showcasing people from all around the world finding ways to entertain themselves and the others around them. 

For professional athletes however, especially those that are currently in the middle of a suspended season like those that play in the National Hockey League, the game has a second layer as well. Not only to they have to keep themselves from going stir crazy while locked inside like the rest of us, but they also have to find creative ways to maintain their physical condition while having limited equipment to work on at home and while having no access at all to the team facilities, equipment, and training staff that they have all become accustomed to in their daily lives. One such athlete facing this situation is Russian superstar Ilya Kovalchuk who finds himself in something of a unique predicament. 

Not only is Kovalchuk suddenly stuck quarantined in the middle of a global pandemic, but this whole situation was thrust on him as he was already adjusting to a major change in his life, a trade to the Washington Capitals. After seemingly revitalizing himself as a member of the Montreal Canadiens this season Kovalchuk was traded to the Capitals just prior to the 2020 NHL trade deadline in what was admittedly a move that many had expected the Canadiens to make. In the middle of having to adjust to a new system, new locker room, new teammates and a new organization as a whole Kovalchuk must now find a way to stay fit while following the NHL's guidelines regarding self isolation. 

In the very late hours of Sunday night Kovalchuk published a video on social media showcasing how he has maintained his physical condition, a video in which he showcases some impressive strength. Hilariously Kovalchuk appears to be using his wife as improvised training equipment, all while the couple very much seem to be enjoying one another's company on top of it all. See for yourself: