As COVID-19 continues to spread, social distancing is affecting everything we do, including working out at the gym. So what’s a fitness buff to do?
The good news is that social distancing doesn’t mean you have to give up your workouts or yoga practice.
Many companies and trainers are offering free online workouts during the pandemic, so now’s the time to take advantage of trying something new and help preserve your sanity during quarantine. Here are some of our favourite workout ideas for home:
- YouTube: Of course, the biggest video sharing and second-largest website in the world is a treasure trove of free health and fitness videos – ranging from Pilates to Prancercise, seek and you shall find! (For a truly magical #FlashbackFriday, check out the original Jane Fonda’s Workout from 1982 – no VCR required.)
- Peloton: Big news of late is that the exercise darling Peloton is now offering 90-day free access to its fitness app. Even better is that you don’t need a Peloton-branded bike or treadmill. Users can choose from classes such as yoga, meditation, stretching, strength training, cycling and more.
- Planet Fitness: Offering free daily live-streamed “Home Work-ins” on their Facebook page. No equipment needed, and look out for special coaching guests!
- Barry’s Bootcamp: Dubbed the “best workout in the world, this local fitness brand is offering live 20-minute workouts twice daily on Instagram @barrys.
- Corepower Yoga: Check out these free On Demand yoga and sculpting videos on the Corepower Yoga website.
- Daily Burn: Sign up for a 30-day free trial where you can choose from thousands of different video and audio workouts on the Daily Burn website.
- Fhitting Room: Sign up and get a 30-day free trial of their on-demand workout videos.
- Active by POPSUGAR app Sign up for free here to get hundreds of do-anywhere workouts.
DIY workouts
If now’s your opportunity to seize going completely off-grid, there are ways to work out from the comfort of your home without any high-tech equipment, just your body weight.
According to experts, burpees are the king of at-home exercises. Start with five to 10 burpees, followed by the same number of push-ups, squats, lunges and mountain climbers. Repeat several times for an easy total body workout, and keep pushing your limit (number and intensity) each day.
If you want to add some variety, the humble chair can be used to support your squats or tricep dips. And if you have stairs, congratulations – you have the original stair master in the comfort of your own home. Running up and down the stairs is a great way to break a sweat and turn up your heart rate as well as offering some relief from cabin fever.
No matter how or where you work out, keep up good habits like regular hand-washing, getting plenty of sleep, and eating healthy to boost your immunity. One of the best ways to stay healthy both physically and mentally is to stay active and practise self-care. Bring on the sweat session!
