Social distancing has its limitations, and restrictions like the closing of gyms made it quite challenging to stick to an exercise schedule. Working from home can also be quite taxing on your mental and physical health. Regaining a semblance of control through exercise will work wonders physically and mentally during this time of great uncertainty.
THESE EASY TIPS WILL HELP GUIDE YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY DURING THE PANDEMIC TO ENSURE THAT YOU REMAIN HEALTHY AND ACTIVE:
Be goal-orientated when it comes to workouts:
Start small and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as your body builds stamina. Set concrete goals, like ‘walks at 7 am’ on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There are various fitness trackers available to keep a record of your progress. Monitoring your growth over time gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep moving forward (literally).
Find a time slot that works for you:
If you’re an early riser, opt for a morning workout to set a positive tone for your day. Others might find it helpful to work out when their energy levels decrease as a burst of energy stimulates your brain and helps you refocus on the tasks ahead of you.
Quit with the excuses:
Stick to your exercise regimen, no matter what. ‘Not feeling like it,’ doesn’t warrant you skipping out on the set of squats you declared that you would do yesterday. Stay committed to the fitness schedule, and remember that exercise benefits outweigh whatever excuses surface to your mind.
Share your fitness goals with family & friends:
The more you talk about it, the more committed you become to the notion of exercising often. Post your workout activities online to motivate others. Share the news with family and friends who will help you keep track of your fitness goals and provide positive feedback. The essence of this tip is to foster an environment of encouragement and support to keep you motivated on your fitness journey.
Amp up your workouts:
Don’t stick to the norm; instead, explore exercise routines that appeal to your personality. If you’d like to add a bit of flair, opt for Zumba. If you have stress to work off, why not try boxing? If you’d like to introspect and need a bit of quiet, choose yoga. The possibilities are endless. Did you know that there are even ‘exergames’? Simply put, these are activity video games that simulate an exercise of your choice! We’re talking soccer, skating, bowling and so much more.
Mindfulness Walking:
Fresh air, greenery, and the sun warming your skin is enough motivation to exercise outdoors. Instead of walking with your head down and your earphones plugged in, engage all five of your senses. Take in your environment and think about all that you’re grateful for. At the end of your walk, take snaps of your environment with your phone or write in a journal. It’s a cathartic end to a stress-relieving exercise. For added intensity to your walks, climb up hills and steps. Use your environment around you to intensify your workout.
Create a home workout area:
Designate an area in your home where you can work out without being distracted. You don’t need to buy expensive workout equipment, instead use water bottles, resistance bands or even your body weight to perform resistance exercises. Try doing pushups on the wall or climb up the stairs as a strength-training activity. Try stepping up two steps for an even more challenging workout!
Did you know that exercise can help ease depression, stress, and anxiety and help manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes? Take charge of your moods and energy levels with these easy exercise tips. If heart health is a concern, why not take a look at Flora’s selection of healthy living tips? Pair your active routine with balanced meals and you’re sure to notice an improvement in the health of your heart. Be sure to check out Flora’s recipes here.
