Since the gyms closed, most of us have had to change the way we think about fitness. The whole idea now is to not only stay motivated in working towards our fitness goals but also staying healthy in the situation we’re living in right now.
Personal trainers and sport supplement companies are determined to help people who are trying to socially distance themselves in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the ongoing pandemic. It’s important more now than ever to keep moving and active to stay healthy and avoid the spread of the disease.
While the lack of access to a professional gym may tempt many people to write off exercise as an afterthought, there are several things we can still do to remain active whether in the house or our backyard.
1. Stay hydrated and avoid snacking.
During this challenging time, it’s imperative that people stay healthy and hydrated. Companies like BioSteel are emphasizing the importance of drinking electrolytes to stay hydrated if people are feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms. You want to ensure your body is receiving enough fluids to help regulate temperature, flush out toxins and perform regular bodily functions.
BioSteel has pledged $2 million of their Hydration Mix to front-line workers and hospital patients to help keep everyone properly hydrated, help maintain overall health and assist with recovery. If you’re a front-line worker and would like more information about this campaign, email stayhydrated@biosteel.com.
Their Hydration Mix is a safe, healthy option with essential nutrients to help boost the immune system and maintain hydration levels which can improve overall health. And their Hydration Mix doesn’t contain sugar.
For those at home who may be less active than they normally are but are still doing what they can to keep up their fitness and wellness, amino acids help keep your muscles stimulated, which helps offset muscle atrophy and maintain strength. BioSteel has put together a number of bundles to provide the benefits of hydration and also the essential protein needed to stay active.
2. Start your day with some physical activity.
Fitness is a great way to start the day. Many of us are sitting down more than we normally would so creating a schedule, and starting with some kind of fitness in the morning is ideal. It doesn’t have to be a full workout. Even if it’s just stretching, designating a specific time for an activity can be really helpful.
3. If you have a regular workout schedule, stick to it.
One of the main things recommends by fitness professionals is to adhere to some sort of schedule that is similar to what you did before the pandemic hit. That might mean going outdoors or logging on virtually to one of the many fitness apps to keep accountable or to join one of their many challenge groups for staying healthy.
Social distancing has disrupted our normal routine, so it’s important to stay on a normal schedule. Keeping this schedule will help both physically and mentally, just to have some type of normalcy.
4. Invest in fitness equipment, or utilize household items.
While gyms have been closed, some studios have been loaning equipment to members that they can use at home while waiting for the social distancing period to end. But not everyone has a membership or a home gym at their disposal, so many have to improvise and use what’s already available in their homes.
To do this effectively, you have to be creative with the space you have. While it’s ideal to have fitness equipment at your disposal, not having much — or any at all — doesn’t mean you’re not capable of keeping up with your fitness goals.
If you can afford to purchase equipment, opt for pieces that are affordable, versatile, and portable. A yoga or exercise mat, exercise tubing, and a few dumbells or kettlebells can allow you to do some great home workouts. For your core and legs, exercises using your own body weight are generally sufficient to get in a good workout.
If you don’t have access to, or can’t afford some of these pieces, household products can take the place of free weights in any workout. Use cans of soup instead of small dumbbells or other household products you can find.
To get cardio while stuck indoors, burpees, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, lunges, and planks both strengthen your core and get your heart rate up, Break up your exercises into several smaller, more manageable pieces and do them at regular intervals is a good substitute for a long run for staying healthy.
5. Use virtual workouts to add variety to your routine.
Almost every gym or studio has made the switch to providing virtual platforms for gym-goers. By accessing their websites or social media accounts (or visiting our own YEGFit Finder At Home page), people can find instructional videos with different types of workouts, including high-intensity interval training, bootcamp, yoga and and meditation exercises meant to help with their physical and mental wellbeing.
