Here’s something we never thought we’d see: our entire country shut down and the majority of us relegated to working, learning, shopping, and exercising from home. It can be challenging, and the temptation to sit around in our pajamas eating all the snacks is real. But just because the way we are being forced to do things is different, doesn’t mean we can’t carry on with our daily lives. In fact, it’s more important than ever to establish some sense of routine to avoid falling into a rut — especially when it comes to fitness. A little creativity and ingenuity is all it takes to stay fit during a crisis. Here are eight ways stay committed to fitness for life — no gym required!
1. Step it Up
If you’ve got stairs in your home, use them! Set a timer and walk or jog up and down your flight of stairs for 10-15 minutes. Stand on one step and perform step-ups or calf raises.
2. Add Some Distance to your Distancing
Get outside and go for a brisk walk or a jog. The fresh air and change of scenery will do you good mind, body, and soul.
3. “Weight” for It
Most of us don’t have a full set of weights or a squat rack in our homes, but we do have alternatives. Soup cans, water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, or even wine bottles can stand in for dumbbells. Large detergent bottles or industrial boxes of kitty litter make good kettlebells.
4. Jump on It
Jumping rope is one of the most effective total body exercises you can do. Don’t have a rope? Pretend! Jump in place, simulating the movement with your wrists.
5. Have a Seat
A good, sturdy chair is perfect for performing tricep dips, and incline pushups. Or use it for squats. Simply lower your body back, tap the chair with your booty, and return to standing.
6. Body Talk
If you have a body, you have everything you need to get fit. Body weight exercises are simple, effective ways to tighten, tone, strengthen and work on flexibility. Push ups, sit-ups, lunges, squats, planks—the choices are endless. Just move!
7. Just Breathe
Fitness for life is about more than just physical. It includes mental fitness too. When you are isolated and inundated with scary or unsettling information all day, it can be easy to start to panic. Don’t! Unplug, find a quiet space, close your eyes, and just take a few deep breaths. Not sure how to start? There are several meditation and breathing apps that can help.
8. Dream Streams
Practically every major studio and fitness center in America right now is streaming live or prerecorded classes. Not only does this help you stay on track, it helps you stay connected by feeling like you are part of a “class.”
A commitment to fitness for life means staying positive and finding ways to keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough. Remember, it is the challenges that change you and make you stronger than you were before. Think outside the box and try something new. Who knows? You might discover something you really enjoy!
