You can either get lazy for the next couple of weeks/months – or you can choose to keep an effective routine filled with a balance of doing work, relaxing, and getting physical activity all while being home. Working out and eating right will help to boost your overall health and is safer than going to a public gym for a while. I haven’t always been adamant about going to a public gym, so I’ve found new ways to workout at home and following great workout routines.
- Yoga for days!
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Some meditation and yoga is a great combination of TLC and can relieve some anxiety during this pandemic. The point is to find yoga routines that are equal parts relaxing and energizing, this way you’re getting the most effective workout despite being home. For most workouts, you just need a yoga mat, but a comfortable surface can also suffice. I found a great YouTuber that fits these exact needs and her name is SarahBethYoga. She has a calm voice to go along with her relaxing ambiance, which I think is most important because you want a virtual instructor who helps guide you comfortably. Here’s one of my favorite energizing videos from her: https://youtu.be/T3bKnn7X0Qw
- HIIT Workouts, a.k.a. the best AND intense workout
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HIIT workouts, high-intensity interval training, helps to combine anaerobic exercises with less intense periods with controlled timed intervals. I’ve been doing these workouts ever since I’ve wanted to get more strength without picking up any weights. Although weights are great, using body strength makes for just as an effective workout and the best solution to work up a sweat! Try out these workouts by Emi Wong and it might be tiring the first time, but you’ll be motivated to increase your stamina by your third workout! https://youtu.be/bleOTMDa3_4
Other workouts by Emi Wong include those with a lot of mat work; these particularly focus on abs, thighs, arms, and legs to either target these specific areas during the workout or to target these areas for a full-body workout. Here’s another workout by her that I found effective, but feel free to go through her amazing playlists! https://youtu.be/W4eKVKwf3rQ
- If you DO have weights, well then you’re lucky!
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You don’t always need normal weights to gain strength, but even using less conventional weights like certain household objects could work. Household objects can include: bags of rice/beans, paint cans, books, or even milk jugs (can even reuse old ones by filling them up with water). These household objects could work well with this HIIT workout by Heather Robertson: https://youtu.be/_2m7nhgolQ0
Make sure to keep yourself active during this anxious time, as you now have the time to be creative with your workouts and keep your mind and body healthy. Scheduling online Zoom sessions with your friends or family can even help you and loved ones stay active together and are worth the try. Stay healthy and stay active!