Keeping fit during isolation poses some challenges. Perhaps you feel accustomed to a set gym routine. Maybe you require certain machines to keep fit. Or you just love the structure and order of a gym setting!
With a little bit of creativity with a dash of flexibility, you can stay in shape during any type of lockdown/quarantine scenario.
Putting aside the obvious benefits of improving your cardiovascular health and trimming your waist, exercising from home helps you feel better during uncertain times. Everybody feels a sweet endorphin rush after a good workout. Even the most cheery person feels down in the dumps sometimes when forced to stay at home! Get in your daily workout to feel better about your mind and your body.
If you can venture outside, take any exercise outdoors: walk, run or use stairs to complete a great workout!
FOLLOW THESE 4 SIMPLE TIPS TO WORK OUT AT HOME DURING LOCKDOWN:
1: Use Body Weight For Resistance Style Exercise Training
Body weight workouts tone and strengthen with the ultimate organic tool; your body!
Do push-ups, sit-ups, and weightless squats to remain lean and mean from home. Add plyometrics to create a rock-solid core. Complement with yoga to sculpt your physique while improving your flexibility.
Pay strict attention to form. Being void of any silly weight tripping, visualise yourself moving through the perfect range of motion.
Consider doing 4-5 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Using your body weight for resistance is a 100% free, organic training approach perfect in a work-at-home setting. No equipment needed. Plus you can complete your workout in the most modest of settings. From cramped apartments to other tight spots, anybody can engage in a bodyweight workout anywhere in the world.
A towel
One person’s towel is another person’s resistance band! Use a towel to help with stretching or for a killer arm workout. Looking for a leg challenge? On a smooth floor, assume the plank position with a small towel under each of your feet. Then, in a very slow and controlled manner, try gliding your legs apart and then back together again. Feel the burn!
Soup cans, water bottles or laundry detergent jugs
Treat any of these household items like hand weights or dumbbells. Give your arms a major workout by doing some front raises, tricep kickbacks or overhead presses.
A broom
Besides sweeping, a broom can also give your core, hips and glutes a workout. Next time you’re sweeping the floor, shake things up by adding some hip hinges or oblique twists to your usual routine.
A chair
A sturdy chair (without wheels) can make an excellent addition to your workout routine, whether you’re trying to perfect your squats or practice some leg raises. Throw a second chair into the mix and practice some tricep dips.
A countertop
Strengthen your arms and chest by practicing several sets of countertop push-ups. These are a great activity to sneak in while you’re waiting for water to boil or the oven to pre-heat.
If you find yourself under a genuine lockdown where leaving the house isn’t permitted, hit your household stairs for your prime form of cardio. Whether living in a house or apartment building, most folks have access to at least one flight of stairs. If you can head outdoors and have a great local park with a set of stairs… even better!
Walking or jogging up and down stairs improves your cardiovascular health, tones your legs and boosts your energy levels. Step slowly at first. Do not tax your body with this intense form of working out. Simply build your lung capacity and leg strength to create slow but steady gains.
No need for expensive machines or fancy devices for getting in cardio if you have no access to stairs; jog in place for a quick, effective workout. Your body doesn’t care if you move forward, backward, or simply complete your jogging in a stationary spot. Cardio is cardio!
4: Create A Workout Space
Create a workout space within your home or apartment.
Dedicating a specific spot for working out gets you in the right frame of mind for your session. Consider picking the most spacious spot in your home to create ample room for exercise range of motion. A balcony is also an option if you have enough space.
Devote this area to working out to get a psychological boost a bit similar to driving to the gym. Most gym fans feel excited during their trip to the weight room. Although less of a commute, walking toward your workout area mentally prepares you for a good exercise session!
BE CREATIVE!
Nobody needs a complete weight rack and a wide array of impressive cardio machines to stay fit and healthy! Your body simply senses resistance, whether you use your own bodyweight or a backpack stuffed with soup cans for squatting weights. Be flexible to work out efficiently in a home setting.
Most of all, remember why you want to be fit. Living in temporary isolation feels boring or flat out depressing sometimes. Working out boosts your mood while trimming your waistline. Nobody can complain about that combo!