Though news reports claim that COVID-19 cases may be leveling off in the United Kingdom, there’s still a long way to go before folks feel comfortable traveling to Florida on vacation again.
People are also hesitant to go to the gym again. As winter fast approaches, finding ways to stay fit at home is essential for your health.
If you’re one of the many people practicing social distancing, it might still feel difficult to maintain your health in the midst of the global pandemic. Coping with the ever-present stress of catching COVID-19 means that many people have put their physical fitness on the back burner. After all, it’s hard enough to get out of bed each day; the act of putting on a sports bra and going on a mile-long jog might seem impossible for the stressed-out individual.
Here are some of the best ways that the average person can improve their physical health from the comfort of their own home.
Start small with stretching and yoga
If you haven’t exercised in a while, you will have to ease your body back into a workout. The best way to do this is by starting small. Engage in daily stretching exercises to loosen up those tight muscles. Instead of immediately reaching for the heavy weights, practice strengthening your limbs using your own body weight. Yoga, for example, is a great way to use your own body weight against you. Holding difficult positions for short periods of time can boost your strength and help you feel more connected to your body without overexerting yourself. Try holding the plank position for as long as you can or watch a YouTube tutorial to get into yoga.
Engage in cardio as often as you can
Cardio is essential for heart health but it’s also essential in the time of COVID-19. Practicing cardio will strengthen your respiratory system, which is essential for coping with the dire effects of COVID-19 in the event that you catch it.
You can practice cardio from the comfort of your home by dancing along with your favorite song, jogging in place, doing burpees, or working out on a treadmill. If you’re comfortable with it, you can also go on a socially-distant walk around your neighborhood. Just be sure to bring a mask and avoid close contact with others.
Try lifting weights and other heavy objects
Lifting weights has a number of benefits for your health. Lifting weights has been shown to reduce body fat by burning more calories, but it’s even more important in growing and maintaining your muscles.
Most people use official weights for strength training at the gym, but not everyone has a pair of hand weights at home. Instead, you can try filling bags with cans of soup and other heavy objects to work out your arms and add extra resistance to your squats. If you happen to have an old milk jug or an empty bottle laundry detergent, you can always fill these objects with water as a simple alternative. Just be sure to engage in the proper form while you’re working out. When you lift a 10 kg box incorrectly, this can put as much as 180 kg of force on your spine. Consult with your doctor or a trainer to ensure that you’re lifting weights properly.
Strengthening your muscles is vital in protecting your bones, reducing back pain, and getting to know your body better. Working out, in general, can help boost your mood and encourage other healthy habits. Just be sure to take it slow in case you haven’t worked out for a while.
When you do go outdoors, be safe
Social distancing is key when it comes to stopping the pandemic in its tracks. But if you’re feeling a little stir crazy cooped up inside, there’s no harm in venturing outdoors as long as you’re safe.
You might not want to go to a park, but there are plenty of socially-distant activities that you can participate in outside. Solo hiking, for example, can be done as long as you bring your phone and some snacks to stay safe. Finding a secluded beach to swim in is another way to stay healthy outdoors. As many as 20% of Millennials participate in watersports, making this a great option if you want to limit your contact with other people. Invest in a kayak to paddle along your local river or attend a socially-distant wakeboarding class to get your body moving.
The most important thing you can do is to stay safe. Whether that means taking it slow or going on a safe walk around your neighborhood, rely on these tips to help maintain your health in the midst of the pandemic.
