Staying Safe And Keeping Your Exercise Routine Going
With most large gathering spaces shutting down, most of us are no longer able (or willing) to visit the gym for our daily exercise. However, just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean there aren’t ways for you to stay active and healthy. Try these simple tips and at-home exercises to keep your exercise routine going during the shutdown.
Plan your day
If you’re at home all day, it can be easy to fall out of the habit of exercising. If you’re used to hitting the gym from 7am to 8am, make this your at-home exercise time as well. That way, when the gyms re-open, you’ll still have those healthy habits you spent so long forming.
Get the kids involved
With schools closed for an extended holiday and your kids stuck inside all day, getting them involved in active games is a great way for you to both burn off some energy. Activities such as hide and seek or tag in the garden are fun ways to keep moving.
Explore the world of online exercises
Even before the pandemic, online exercise classes were taking off, and loads of gyms are publishing free exercise classes for those stuck indoors. Resources like Fitness Blender and Turbulence Training offer free videos of no-equipment exercises that anyone can do at home.
Get creative with equipment
Can’t access those expensive machines you love at the gym? Find stuff around the house to use as replacements. Tinned food cans can make great dumbbells, your kids can be used (carefully!) for weight training, and there are lots of exercises out there that only require a chair or low surface.
Keep it simple
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to at-home exercise. Push-ups, pull-ups, squats and sit-ups are standards for a reason, and core exercises rarely require much equipment. Once you’ve mastered those, explore our list of exercises that require little to no equipment by clicking here.
Stay healthy
Drink lots of water and try to eat a balanced diet. If you’ve stocked up on canned and dried food, make sure you include as many fresh fruits and veggies into your diet as you can. If you are required to leave the house, wash your hands as often as possible, and avoid touching your face – and if you start showing symptoms of infection, don’t try and push through your exercise routine, but rather relax and let your body heal.
Being stuck at home can be stressful too. While exercise should help you manage your stress levels, try meditation or simple mindfulness techniques to help you cope.