Has your gym been shut down in the wake of Covid-19? If you’re like me and keen to stay active each day, news of the gym closing can be upsetting, to say the least! However, closing gyms is a logical and necessary safety precaution for disease control in light of all the chaos. Physical activity is an amazing outlet for stress and has so many positive benefits for our mental and physical health; therefore, we shouldn’t throw in the towel just because we can’t access a gym. We must change our mindsets and reframe the situation. This is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to take a step back and get creative with our training. No gym? No Problem! Here’s how to stick with your fitness goals without access to a gym.
Crank Up the Tunes
There’s nothing worse than trying to workout and hearing the heaviness of your breath or the thud of your feet as they pound the floor! While gyms often provide enough noise and distractions to keep you from hearing these annoying sounds, home workouts can be a whole new experience. So don’t ditch your earbuds or speaker just yet! Get yourself pumped up prior to your workout and keep yourself motivated throughout with a killer playlist! Lately, my go-to has been the SWEAT Challenge playlist on Apple Music. Even before my gym closed, my music (and food) was the only thing that could drag me out of my cozy bed to sprint before my 8:30 a.m. classes! If you’re lucky and have access to a large space to exercise and don’t have neighbours or housemates to consider, I’d highly recommend blasting music through a speaker (Simple hack: check out the DIY phone speakers… Spoiler: all you need is a cup!).
Put Exercise in Your Calendar
Just because the gym has cleared its calendar, does not mean you should clear yours! Schedule time in your day to be active and get your sweat on! Your routine has likely been turned upside down, but it’s time to get back on track. Even when your life is full of uncertainty planning ahead to achieve your fitness goals is worthwhile. Creating some stability and structure in your life will provide peace of mind and boost your overall productivity. Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare, take a break and be active! If you live in a small studio apartment, schedule time for a brisk walk to clear your head or do some basic yoga poses to release any tension.
Get Creative – Modify Your Moves!
It’s unlikely that you have a home gym equipped with free weights and machines! If you’re a student like me, the chances of this are near zero. But just because you don’t have a leg press, doesn’t mean you can’t crush a great leg session. I chuckle a little as I write this! My older brother recently came home from university, just as I did when my classes switched to online. He plays university hockey and when I shared the news that the gym in our hometown had closed he was concerned. Being 6’3” and over 200 pounds, when I told him about the 15-pound dumbbells I had so thoughtfully purchased for our “home gym,” he was even less enthused! Nearly all moves can be modified and unless you’re an elite athlete, for us average folk, there are some excellent workouts that can be done at home. Swap dumbbells for milk jugs, barbells for resistance bands, and cherish those bodyweight movements. And, if you’re ever feeling stuck, check out YouTube and Instagram for some fresh ideas!
Find a Fitness Buddy
Yes, it may be unwise to meet up with friends and attend any fitness classes that haven’t been canceled! Lucky for you, you don’t have to. Find a friend or family member to keep you accountable. It’s amazing if you live with the person, can exercise together, and chat face-to-face, but this isn’t necessary! If texting isn’t enough accountability for you, I’d recommend trying FaceTime or any video chat! Workout with your bestie or fitness buddy live. If you ask me that’s the definition of dedication and motivation. Remember, social distancing doesn’t have to mean total isolation. While I am fortunate to be a home that keeps me accountable if your motivators have been sent packing, across the country or even the world, video chats and virtual classes are your new best friends. Even in trying times, fitness doesn’t have to be a solo effort and can help you stay connected!
All in all, I wish you the best in the name of health! Please be smart and considerate of others in this difficult time. So far, 2020 has certainly thrown a few unexpected curveballs, but it’s only the beginning of the year. While it may be time to reroute and rethink how to stay on track and meet your fitness goals, there is no need to give up. Put in the effort and you can and will achieve your goals, with or without the gym!