Staying fit during the pandemic can be tough. With so much uncertainty, it can be hard to find motivation or energy to exercise or eat healthy. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to boost immunity, fighting off illness. Here are five simple tips for staying fit during the pandemic:
1. Start with a Routine
Create a daily routine that includes physical activity. Any activity can be beneficial, such as yoga, walking, or even doing chores around the house. Developing and sticking to a routine helps boost energy and motivation.
2. Plan Healthy Meals
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Many healthy meals can be cooked with simple ingredients. Focus on balanced meals and snacks that include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Take advantage of meal delivery services or grocery delivery, if available.
3. Set Realistic Goals
When setting fitness and health goals, it’s important to be realistic. Instead of trying to do too much all at once, start small and work up to larger goals gradually. When goals are too big, it can be discouraging if they’re not achieved.
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercise can be done anywhere, even in a small space such as an apartment or bedroom. Find activities that you enjoy such as dancing or biking, and try to incorporate it into your daily routine. It’s important to get the recommended amount of physical activity for your age and fitness level.
5. Get Enough Sleep
The quality and quantity of sleep have an effect on physical and mental wellbeing. Poor sleep can lead to lower energy and decreased immunity. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Establish a bedtime routine to help you wind down and get a good night’s sleep.
Staying fit during the pandemic is possible. With a little planning and dedication, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your immunity levels strong.
Bonus Tip: Remember to take time for yourself. Taking a break from the news and focusing on relaxing activities can help reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
“What exercises can I do during the pandemic to stay fit?”
1. At-Home Cardio: Try HIIT workouts with bodyweight exercises, running in place, or jumping jacks.
2. Strength Training: Use resistance bands, dumbbells, or other weight-bearing objects to do strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups.
3. Yoga: Yoga can help you increase your flexibility and strengthen your core.
4. Core Workouts: Core workouts can help to improve your stability and posture.
5. Pilates: Pilates is a great way to increase your flexibility and strength.
6. Cycling: Even if you don’t have a bike, you can still cycle indoors on a stationary bike.
7. Swimming: Swimming is a great low-impact way to stay physically active. If you don’t have access to a pool, consider trying water aerobic exercises in a bathtub or shower.
What activities can I do instead of going to the gym during the pandemic?
1. Outdoor Hiking: Get outdoors and explore your natural surroundings on a great, energizing hike!
2. Home Workout: Use your own body weight, some weights, or a jump rope to work out from the comfort of your own home.
3. Virtual Yoga: You can still practice yoga from professionals via livestream or video classes.
4. Home Circuit Training: Make your own circuit with exercises like squats, burpees, and planks that require no equipment.
5. Running: Take your running workout outdoors or on your treadmill.
6. Tennis: Rally with a friend or family member for some motivation and fun.
7. Jumping Rope: Use your jump rope to work out in the comfort and safety of your own home.
8. Swimming: Take a lap and get your heart rate up with some swimming.
9. Dance: Blast some music and get your groove on with some dance moves.
10. Bike Ride: Go outside, explore your neighbourhood and get a great workout in with a bike ride.
What exercises can I do at home instead of going to the gym during the pandemic?
1. Bodyweight Squats
2. Push-ups
3. Lunges
4. Burpees
5. Mountain Climbers
6. Step-ups
7. Planks
8. Glute Bridge
9. Tricep Dips
10. Reverse Crunches
11. Side Planks
12. High Knees
13. Jumping Jacks
14. Heel Touches
15. Bicep Curls
16. Calf Raises
17. Wall Sits
18. Vegetable/Gallon Jugs as Weights
19. Banded Resistance Exercises
20. Cardio Machine Alternatives (running in place, jumping rope, etc.)
“What exercises can I do at home without equipment?”
1. Squats
2. Lunges
3. Push-Ups
4. Planks
5. Wall Sits
6. Jumping Jacks
7. Burpees
8. Crunches
9. Bicycle Kicks
10. High Knees
11. Tricep Dips
12. Glute Bridges
13. Mountain Climbers
14. Calf Raises
15. Frog Jumps
16. Star Jumps
17. Leg Lifts
18. Step-Ups
19. Jumping Lunges
20. Single Leg Deadlifts
What are good bodyweight exercises for at-home workouts?
1. Squats
2. Lunges
3. Push-Ups
4. Planks
5. Burpees
6. Step-Ups
7. Sit-Ups
8. Triceps Dips
9. Wall Sits
10. Single Leg Deadlifts
11. Glute Bridges
12. Shoulder Taps
13. Reverse Crunches
14. Mountain Climbers
15. Jumping Jacks