Staying fit during a global pandemic isn’t always easy. While the majority of public gyms are indeed open again, many immunocompromised households might not want to take the risk. Thankfully, there are tons of ways to stay active without even leaving your home.
Is it even possible to stay slim without the socialization, encouragement, and motivation of the outside world? We have some good news: it might actually be easier than joining a traditional gym. Here are our favorite home fitness tips when you’re lying low for the week.
1. Find your natural rhythm
Does an early-morning session invigorate you? How about an afternoon ride on your indoor trainer or a jog on your treadmill after work?
Some say there are two types of people in this world—morning people, and evening-time warriors. Choose a time to exercise where you’ve got the most energy to expend. If you work at home, a midday yoga session might be the perfect way to break up the day.
There are a million ways to do it. Experiment and decide what you like best; this way, home fitness becomes a treat you look forward to, not a chore to tackle when you’d rather be doing literally anything else in the world.
2. Invest in toys that get you interested
Some are cardio bunnies. Others love the feeling of improving their strength. What gets you pumped? Identify your fitness goals and build your home gym set-up around stuff that you’ll actually end up using.
This may take the form of an elliptical in front of your TV or even a zen-like tai-chi haven in your second bedroom. Try everything, and only continue with the types of exercise that really get you motivated. Every person is different.
3. Or, alternatively, keep it simple
On a budget? You probably already have everything you need.
A couple of gallons of milk can stand in for a regular set of dumbbells, to name one example. Bodyweight exercises use you as the weight—things like burpees and other simple workouts allow you to stay active using nothing but the floor underneath your feet.
People with big pools or backyards can burn calories easily, but even those living in small, urban dwellings can still live it up at home without the overhead. Quick cardio workouts can get you moving in the morning before you’ve even had your coffee, all while sheltering squarely in place.
4. Find your guru
Everybody starts somewhere. If you’re new to the world of fitness, consulting one of the thousands of incredible fitness influencers on the internet will only make the process simpler and more effective. Workout inspiration, advice, and encouragement are never in short supply.
For bodyweight workouts that require no equipment, we love MadFit on YouTube. Neophyte yogis should try Fightmaster Yoga’s 30-day beginner challenge—we tried it from a zero-experience standpoint, and it got our sorry affairs in order in days.
Services like Peloton and MYX offer live, virtual trainers, as well. Sometimes, all it takes is some professional advice, and these alternatives allow you to learn and to grow without exposing your household.
5. Make your well-being a priority
Health is wealth—it sounds silly, but it’s so true. Renew your commitment to both the health of your family and your own. It truly sets the stage for a more joyful way of life.
Remember that every workout will likely save you tens of thousands of dollars down the line. It’s so easy to park it in front of the TV after a long day at work, but it’s even easier to exploit this time with a simple home workout routine (and way more fun if you recruit the company of one or more of the tiny people living with you!).
There’s no place like home: fitness tips for COVID-19
Lay down a yoga mat. Keep the free weights out where you can see them. If you can afford premium home gym equipment, all the better. Whatever gets you moving will work just fine—take the first step today, no pun intended.
It’s not always easy to get the ball rolling, but we guarantee that leaning into your home fitness routine will be one of the best decisions you ever make in your life. You’ll have mor
