By Lilly Miller
When the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe, we were forced to stay locked inside our homes and forgo our normal daily regimens, including our exercise routines at the gym. However, staying physically active is incredibly important for both our physical and mental health, especially during this trying time, as it improves our mood, lifts our energy levels, and allows us to stay in optimal shape. To that end, the best thing you can do for your overall well-being during the pandemic is to create a fitness routine at home, and here are some essentials that might help:
Create a fitness area at home
If you have enough space in your home, try to create a designated workout area that will be inviting enough to motivate you to exercise every day. Of course, this area doesn’t necessarily have to be overly elaborate; even an exercise mat combined with some resistance bands or a couple of dumbbells will be enough to persuade you to start moving. In case you have more space and a larger budget, on the other hand, it would also be a good idea to create an at-home gym in a spare room or in the garage, opting for larger exercise equipment, such as indoor bikes, treadmills, or ellipticals, for the ultimate gym experience in the comfort of your home.
Keep your routine interesting
If you are still lacking the motivation to start working out at home, try to make your fitness routine as fun and interesting as possible. After all, your home allows for the most freedom. So, create a playlist of uplifting songs, put on a good podcast, or even stream your favorite TV shows as you work out. Alternatively, you could even start playing video games that simulate movement, such as dancing, bowling, or skateboarding, allowing you to seamlessly ease into an exercise routine if a strenuous workout seems too difficult at the moment. No matter what you opt for, adding elements of fun and entertainment into your workouts is bound to create a more positive fitness experience.
Boost your workouts with supplements
When we are forced to work out at home, sometimes we need an additional incentive to allow us to power through a good exercise routine. For that reason, it might be wise to consider adding a supplement such as a premium isolate protein into your daily diet, which you could quickly mix into a healthy and delicious drink. Apart from giving you a boost of energy necessary for any physical activity, a quality supplement can also support muscle growth and aid in weight loss, while also helping your muscles to recover and heal after strenuous activity, ultimately allowing you to achieve the best and most satisfying results with your at-home workouts.
Utilize online resources
Whether you’ve never created your own exercise routine or you simply need some additional help, watching video tutorials online is always a wonderful idea. Thankfully, you can find nearly any form of fitness videos on YouTube for free, ranging from aerobics and pilates to strength training and more difficult cardio workouts, including some routines specifically designed for home exercise during the pandemic. If you have the means, however, it would also be a wonderful idea to support your personal trainer or a local fitness studio by subscribing to their virtual exercise classes and workout sessions. This will allow you to both get in shape and support an industry that was hit hard during COVID-19.
Try a new form of exercise
In case you are looking to get your energy back after a period of inactivity during the lockdown, another good idea might be to simply change up your exercise routine. Your old gym workouts might seem too repetitive and monotonous at this time, or even impossible to perform at home. Or, you might simply want to try something new that you never felt comfortable experimenting with in front of other people; now is a perfect time. Whether you want to try morning exercises, relaxing yoga, classic cardio and HIIT exercises, or even something more unique like kickboxing or tae bo, choose a new and exciting workout you’ve always wanted to try and feel your energy levels rise in no time.
Step outside periodically
If restrictions have been lifted in your area, try to take your workout outside every once in a while. The fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being, while activities such as walking, jogging, or riding a bicycle are all brilliant forms of moderate exercise. Of course, it would still be wise to avoid any crowded areas during your outdoor workouts, and adhere to any local rules and regulations, whether that means wearing a mask or maintaining a social distance while you’re outside.
Even though it might take some additional effort to create a good workout routine at home, regular exercise will help you achieve optimal health, and maintain your well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
