6 Tips for Staying in Shape During Quarantine

Category: Healthy Living

Author

Posted on May 6, 2020

Vanessa is a health writer and blogging expert. Her specialities are medicine, health and wellness. She is proud to call Vancouver, BC her home where she enjoys the ocean and mountains with her dog Mr. ChowChow.



staying in shape

Are you missing the gym while under quarantine?

It can be hard to maintain your typical schedule while staying at home but you shouldn't have to sacrifice your health and fitness in the process. There are tons of ways to keep yourself healthy and fit during quarantine, and we're here to show you how with some helpful tips.

Keep reading for our guide on staying in shape from home.

1. Just Keep Moving

For those working from home during quarantine, it can be difficult to remember to keep yourself moving throughout the day. Purposefully moving every day, even if it's for five minutes, can help both your body and mind. Opting for shorter, more frequent workouts can help balance out the intensity you may be used to from your regular gym sessions.

Incorporating regular movement can also do wonders for your mental health. A quick workout can help to give you a break throughout the day, whether it's from work, the stressors of the outside world, or loneliness. Doing something active every day, even if it's just stretching for a few moments, can help to give your mind the rest it may be needing.

Taking a midday break by trying out some mobility exercises can help elevate any soreness you may be having from sitting at your desk all day.

2. Be Open-Minded With Your Workouts

You may not have the equipment you're used to having at the gym available to you at home. Because of this, it's a good idea to stay open-minded when it comes to your workouts. Being open to a variety of workouts may help you to discover new workouts that you can do from home that you enjoy.

Consider at-home workouts like dancing for cardio, yoga for flexibility, or pilates for strength building. This is a great way to explore new exercises you've been interested in, but were too nervous to try in person.

3. Refuel With Rest

Listening to your body during this time is a great way to know when it's time for a great workout, and when it's time for rest. On days where working out may make you feel worse instead of better, take the day off without guilting yourself.

If you're exhausted or stressed, take the rest time you need or do something less strenuous instead. For example, you could use this day to stretch, meditate, or take the dog on a walk. If you're feeling stressed during this time of uncertainty, start slow and do workouts that may help you to clear your mind, such as yoga.

4. Get Creative With Fitness

For those who are missing their gym equipment, you may want to consider getting creative with the furniture around your home and using some pieces as workout tools. You don't really need anything other than your body weight to exercise, but if you want to add variety, there are some different techniques you can try out.

Something as simple as a chair can act as a workout tool. You can use a chair to support your squats. Do so by standing over it and lowering until your rear almost touches the seat. You can also use a chair for your upper body routine.

Try doing tricep dips with your chair by placing your hands on the chair behind you. Walk your feet out in front and bend your elbows to lower your body up and down without touching your rear to the floor. The farther you walk your feet out, the more challenging and beneficial this workout will become.

5. Body Weight Exercises You Only Need Yourself For

There are tons of workouts you can do at home with zero equipment or furniture. For example, a set of burpees can improve your core and leg muscles while acting as cardio. This is a great way to incorporate a move into your workout that benefits the whole body.

There are other workouts you can try out to work certain parts of the body. Air squats, for example, can be done anywhere and work to strengthen the upper leg muscles and glutes. Mountain climbers, push-ups, and lunges are also basic moves that you can combine into a workout.

Add a jump to movements like squats or lunges to up your heart rate if you're missing your cardio sessions.

6. Get Outside

Getting outside can help to act as a refresher, letting you get some Vitamin D and a break from your house. Taking your workouts outdoors a few days a week by doing the above exercises in your front or backyard can be a great break in routine. When exercising outdoors, make sure you are sticking to the CDC guidelines and maintaining social distancing.

Activities like jogging and cycling can help you change your scenery while providing a great workout. Set personal distance goals to keep yourself motivated during these outdoor activities. Sub out taking public transportation or driving to do errands and get there by running, biking, or walking instead.

Tips for Staying in Shape During Quarantine

While the pandemic can be stressful and scary, it's important to keep ourselves moving and motivated for a healthy lifestyle. If you're concerned with staying in shape during the quarantine, try out some of these tips and tricks that can help with your mental and physical health.

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