As government agencies encourage everyone to stay inside as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, gyms and workout studios across the country have shut their doors to their clients. But just because you can’t hit up your favorite boutique fitness class, it doesn’t mean you are sentenced to weeks upon weeks of inactivity! There are plenty of ways to keep moving while at home—whether you’re in a tiny studio apartment or a house full of family.
It’s important to maintain some semblance of a routine, so if you swear by your Tuesday evening yoga class, check to see if the studio has uploaded any videos to their site. Remember, you’re not the only one stuck at home—your instructors are, too, so check their social media! These days at-home exercise is more abundant than ever; from YouTube to Instagram Live, there are so many ways to feel like you’re in a class—even if you’re on a yoga mat in your living room.
If you’re not aching for your canceled workout class, but for that bike ride to the train station or the walk back from your kid’s school to home, you still have opportunities to stay active. The number one rule is to just keep moving. If you’re working your office job from your kitchen table these days, set an alarm on your phone to ensure you get up and walk around the house or jog up and down the stairs every 40 minutes. If that doesn’t entice you, schedule in some periodic dance breaks to your favorite heart-thumping, mood-boosting music. But be sure to schedule it so you are guaranteed to get your blood pumping! If the number one rule is to just keep moving, the number two rule is to move in a way your body craves!
And if none of the above sounds right, then this is a great time to try something new. Always been curious about HIIT? Try it out in your bedroom! Have you wanted to try barre but have been too insecure to enter a studio? If you have a countertop at barre height, see what beginner options you can find on YouTube. If you’re social distancing with family, maybe you can start a pick-up baseball game in your backyard. Variety is the spice of life, and there’s never been a better time to find your perfect workout.
Finally, once you figure out what movement moves you, remember that consistency is key! Work with your natural energy patterns, scheduling your movement when you are feeling awake and alert. And remember, moving helps with more than the body- it is also proven that an elevated heart rate and increased blood flow helps quell anxiety—which is universal during this global health scare. Exercise also promotes better sleep, (a major factor in mental health) and boosts your immune system as well. Moving consistently during this high-stress time will benefit you physically and mentally, so just keep moving. Take care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and your body and mind will thank you.