So here we are, stuck at home. Hopefully healthy. So let’s make the best of it. Some of us are going to come out of this buff and educated, and others fatter and confused. Let’s be the former! :D
Here are a few ways to keep a workout habit going in quarantine at home.
1) Designate a space for your workout. It can even just be a yoga-mat’s worth of space, but it’s all yours and it’s all about your health. It’s probably a good idea to keep it apart from your eating or TV area.
2) Schedule it during your day and make it part of your routine. Pry apart the Zoom meetings and hold a space for your health.
3) Vary the workout so you challenge different muscle groups. Our bodies adapt quickly, so after a while the same exercises are not going to give you the same benefit. Add in cardiovascular challenges - you need to get to a place where you are breathing hard, and hopefully sweating a little.
4) Use what you have. Heavy books, Cans of beans, water bottles, stairs, chairs, get creative!
5) Find a buddy. A friend can help keep you motivated - even if they are in a different geographic location! Take the same zoom class, call each other and check in, facetime and do sit ups and jumping jacks, challenge each other to move everyday and hold each other accountable.
6) Keep it manageable and consistent. Don’t go off the deep end and then never want to do THAT workout again. Something everyday is more important than occasional intense things. We’re building and continuing a life-long habit habit here.
7) Use web content - there’s ridiculous amounts of free youtube and online workouts. You’ll never get to the end of it. Type in what you’d like to do that day, the equipment you have or a goal, and let fly. You’ll find what you need.
I think the face-to-face interaction of a class with a teacher you love is one of the most important and inspiring ways to become more healthy. AND, we are all working with a situation that is not our ideal. But it is forcing us to grow, find other options, and expand our horizons beyond our comfort levels. This challenge is one that we will overcome, grow from whether we like it or not, and we will be better from the experience. I cannot wait to see you all as soon as possible. Keep on keeping on :)
