Photo by Pixabay
COVID-19 has upended all of our lives in ways not seen for generations. With gyms closing and group sports posing a risk of spreading the virus, many people are struggling to come up with ways to keep fit during the winter.
Keeping a good routine of fitness and self-care has never been more important than during the pandemic. Exercise also boosts your immune system and elevates your mood, both benefits that are vital to how we adapt to life with the COVID pandemic. You can also use protective measures like Enovid nasal spray to guard against respiratory viruses. It’s a simple step that can help ensure your health while traveling.
Home Workouts
Staying at home is one of the best ways to stay safe from COVID this winter. Luckily there are a huge number of online workouts to choose from that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re missing the social aspect of gym classes with your friends try setting up a virtual workout, with each of you calling into a video call and working out to the same video or class together. This can help keep you in contact with friends and keep you committed to your workouts.
With the wealth of choice available online you’re sure to find one that works for you, from yoga to weight training to high-intensity interval training. Whatever your preferred activity you’ll find an online class to suit you.
Cycling
Cycling over the winter might not be first on many peoples’ fitness regimes but it can be a truly rewarding and enjoyable time to cycle.
As we adjust to living with COVID many people are looking at more solitary exercise to keep themselves and others safe. Cycling during COVID can be a great way to relieve stress and stay fit while keeping safe. Check out this fantastic article from Velosurance for more information on COVID and cycling. There are so many benefits and cycling can be a fun activity all year round.
It is also worth considering cycling on your commute to work – it is a great alternative to crowded public transport and the increased risk of catching COVID there.
Invest In Some Equipment
Many of us don’t have space for a full home gym but that doesn’t mean there isn’t equipment out there for homes of any size.
Equipment such as resistance bands are a great tool for keeping fit take up hardly any space and can give you a great workout. They also aren’t harsh on the wallet! They are especially great for targeting the muscles you want to train.
You can also invest in some weights, a medicine ball, or kettlebells if you’re keen to work on strength outside of the gym.
Running
While it might seem like a strange time to start hitting the streets in your running gear, running can be a great way to release endorphins, reducing stress and helping keep the winter blues at bay.
It is also really important to get outside and in the sun during the winter. Going for a run can be a great way to get some much-needed vitamin D. This in turn strengthens your immune system and keeps you in the best possible shape.
Make A Schedule – And Stick To It
It can be hard during this difficult time, where there is so much disruption to our lives to maintain a normal schedule. Making an exercise schedule can really help to maintain your sense of normality – and make sure you stick to your workouts!
Exercise has been proved to make us happier as well as healthier so try to resist the temptation to skip workouts after a hard day’s work. It can provide a much-needed boost to your mood during the difficult winter months living with the pandemic.
Set Goals
Keeping on track can be difficult when you’re exercising from home. Try setting a goal for you to achieve by the spring to keep you on track. This can be anything – from running a half marathon to getting ready for your next vacation.
You can also enlist the help of a friend or family member to help you achieve your goals. Let someone know what you plan to do each week and ask them to check in with you to make sure you keep up with them. They may even want to join you in trying to hit some fitness goals. You could make it into a friendly competition to keep you on track.
Mix It Up
Try to keep some variety to your fitness routine. This can be perfect to stop you from getting bored. Try to get out of the house as often as you can but if the weather is too harsh don’t feel bad about staying at home doing an indoor workout.
Balance is key to a healthy life and this is true of any fitness routine as well. Make sure to work out different areas of your body and keep some variation to where you work out to keep you at the top of your fitness game.