Everyone knows exercise is an important aspect to leading a healthy lifestyle and in these times of social isolation, many wonder how they can keep up with adequate exercise while avoiding the places that breed COVID, such as an indoor gym. Luckily, there are a number of ways to work out and stay fit without exposing yourself to the deadly virus.
1| Workout with gym equipment at home
This one might seem obvious, but if you have a tread mill or other workout equipment in your basement, it’s time to dust it off and take it for a spin. If you don’t have any, consider investing in a couple of weights to lift or an exercise ball.
Even if you don’t have funds to put into purchasing some home equipment, there are a number of bodyweight exercises you can do like triceps dips, push-ups, leg lifts, planks, pushups and sit-ups that don’t require any equipment because they use your bodyweight for resistance can easily be repeated to achieve the desired result.
2| Download an app or attend an online class
There are hundreds of apps you can download which can help you balance at home exercise activities with work out plans to keep you in shape. There are also a multitude of online yoga and aerobics classes which don’t require more than a mat to complete. In light of the pandemic, a number of these apps/classes are available for free, or a suggested donation, and there’s so many of them that if you don’t like one, simply try another!
3| Go for a run or bike outside
According to the CDC the likelihood of being exposed to COVID decreases drastically when you aren’t in a confined space. This makes outside activities like running, jogging, or biking ideal to avoid the virus.
It’s important to note that you need to engage in these activities somewhere where you can stay 6 feet away from others (a crowded neighborhood park is not recommended). And if you’re a cyclist, look up nearby trails and consider wearing a dust guard over your mouth while riding—especially if you’re likely to pass other cyclists during your ride.
4| Go for a hike or nature walk
Even if you’re not athletic enough to engage in running or biking, even just a simple walk on a nearby trail can suffice. If you’re lucky enough to live in a state with mountains, consider going on a challenging hike. Take the furry companion along and conquer two birds with one stone. Again, it’s important to note that this is only effective if you head to a trail or park where you are able to maintain the six-foot social distance recommendations. Google some lesser known trails in your area, who knows, you might discover you have new favorite hike.
5| Complete Calorie Burning Chores
Exercise doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. If using equipment, or cardio, is just not for you, there are a number of activities you can do around your house that will get your heart pumping and keep you off the couch.
- Consider a project that hasn’t been touched in a while, such as cleaning and reorganizing the garage or basement.
- And of course, basic chores like mowing the lawn, vacuuming, and rearranging the furniture are always calorie burners.
Not only will the exercise improve your mood, but you’ll feel less stressed once you’re living in a cleaner environment.
Overall, exercise in these pandemic times can often take a back burner, but the CDC urges everyone to do something active every day, as a sedentary lifestyle is not a healthy one.
There are so many ways to stay fit without leaving home or exposing yourself to the virus, you just have to stand up off the couch and get started!
