Cover image: Valeria Ushakova from Pexels
Staying at home might initially sound quite fun. But, after a few days have passed everyone might just be getting on everyone’s nerves right about now.
We caught up with local fitness expert, Angelique Van Der Linde, fitness and lifestyle coach at JVL Wellness and Lifestyle and CEO of Legally FIT, to find out more about why staying active and getting enough exercise during lockdown is so important.
Why is it so important to stay active and keep on exercising, even when at home?
For me, exercise has always helped me to completely switch off stay healthy – physically and mentally. It’s like a mini-vacation every day. Especially now during the lockdown, it’s important to keep busy and stay active. The ‘feel-good hormones’ are real and exist to help you stay positive and cope with anxiety, stress and the feeling of being boxed in. Stick to your normal routine as far as you can as it creates a feeling of purpose. If the day gets too long, exercise some more. Who knows, you might even immerge after lockdown with a healthier body and mind.
How much exercise is needed per day/week?
There are so many theories regarding this question. Personally I believe there is no ‘one fits all recipe’ when it comes to exercise. Overall I would say to exercise three times per week but if you want the best results, to up it to five days per week. I motivate my clients to exercise as many times as their weekly schedule allows. If you want to lose weight quicker, exercise more, eat healthily and drink immune boosters as you are going to be training harder than before.
With the kids being at home, any advice for exercising with the kids?
Oh absolutely. Be creative! My son will run around while I’m exercising and even moan and groan with me when I do my stomach exercises. Throw a few hoola hoops on the ground and do jump squats in and out of them along with the kids. You can even teach them burpees from a young age.
I also like to play children’s music in the background which also, unknowingly, stimulate their little brains. But I do however get up early to get the more strenuous exercises done and out of the way. When my son wakes up and wants to join in, we can just do smaller exercises and enjoy each other’s company.
Any diet advice in a time where a lot of people are binging?
You have to eat to suit your lifestyle. I’ve been on so many diets and the only one that works is the one you decide to stay on and follow to the T. Every diet works differently and not everyone will work for you – but there is one that will work for you.
My husband, Jacques, has such a healthy love of food – he really loves all the things most people hate. He always says that you can eat what you want, as long as it comes straight from the ground. I struggle with it, but it’s the best advice to follow.
Keep a lookout for Angelique’s new lifestyle and mentoring program available soon at www.legallyfit.co.za. “It’s for those wanting more than just weight loss. If you want more energy, have more confidence body-wise, want diet tips and the know-how when it comes to supplements, this 16-week program is definitely for you,” Angeliq says.
To join in or find out more send an email to [email protected] or follow her on Instagram or YouTube. For JVL products visit www.jvl.co.za.
