Some COVID-19 restrictions on going out of the house were already lifted in some states. The situation is still fluid, though. New surges and the emergence of new strains of the virus led to the extension of restrictions in some areas. Orders can change at any time.
During a pandemic, it is crucial to keep your immune system at peak condition. This strengthens the body’s defenses against the virus. You must stay active, fit, and healthy. Make sure that you are within your ideal weight range. Observe good nutrition and do exercises.
Exercising Outdoors or at the Gym
Regular exercise reduces stress and promotes good sleep. Stress and lack of sleep, on the other hand, wear down the body and lead to illness. This makes you more vulnerable to any virus.
It is good to have a regular fitness regimen outdoors. Fresh air enhances the benefits of exercise. Jogging or brisk walking do not need equipment and do not entail cost. Cycling is also a good option since the bicycle doubles as a mode of transportation. During the pandemic, it is safer than public transportation.
If you have a gym membership and gyms are open in your area, you can continue to use your privileges. Follow all safety protocols, though, such as social distancing.
Working Out at Home
It is still best to do your regular workouts at home. You will not have to stop your regimen in case a lockdown is once again imposed. If your lifestyle has always included a fitness routine and you are fortunate to live in a custom-built home to your specifications, you will most likely have a home gym. If you do not have one, you can check your space to see how you can fit it in.
If there is a spare room in your house, this is the ideal location. An attic or a basement will work as well. With the area’s measurements in mind, order your preferred exercise equipment online.
If you have already been using exercise equipment in the gym, choose what you are familiar with. Equipment in gyms is usually on the high end because of their heavy workload. There are affordable home versions, though.
If you have limited space, you can consider multipurpose exercise equipment. You should only do this if you have already been trained on how to use it properly. Without training, you can harm yourself.
In some cases, there is no space to spare for workout equipment. Fortunately, you can fold up some versions after use. You can then store these in a closet or under a table or bed.
Some equipment is already small enough that there is no need to fold. Examples are under-desk models of a cycling machine or elliptical machine. You can also replace your work chair with a yoga ball chair. This will enable you to do core strengthening and stretching at your desk. Alternatively, you can attach resistance bands to a chair.
You can use a doorway for many types of workouts. You can have a pull-up bar then take it down for push-ups and sit-ups. You could suspend resistance bands from a door to do bodyweight training. A door-mounted punching bag will release all your pent-up stress and frustration.
There are smaller items such as dumbbells, kettlebells, ankle weights, and ab rollers.
Yoga only requires a mat. It is excellent for stretching and calming the mind. Yoga is not only good for relaxation, though. There are also yoga sessions that can provide an intense workout.
Do not forget workouts that do not require any equipment. You can do strength training using your body weight. Exercises such as planks and push-ups enable you to do this. You can do cardio workouts by following online videos. These cover all levels, from beginners to advanced.
There are also options for people who cannot do very strenuous exercises. There are walk-in-place videos and simple dance workout videos online. Tai-chi classes are also available online.
The Healthy Lifestyle
You should have a generally healthy lifestyle, too. This will support your workout regimen and healthy diet. Do not sabotage your efforts. Make sure that you do not smoke and that you consume alcohol in moderation.
Most of all, avoid COVID-19 infection. Be very conscientious in following all health protocols. Always practice social distancing. Use a mask outside the house, and wash your hands frequently. Spray your hands with alcohol if you do not have immediate access to soap and water. Remember that keeping yourself fit is not a guarantee against infection.
