Tips for Staying Fit at Home During COVID

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed life as we know it. For gym-goers, gym closures across the United States have impacted fitness routines. Lifting free weights, spotting friends on benches, and utilizing machines is no more (for now).

While gyms in several states are preparing to reopen (or have already reopened), not everyone is ready to go back. For those living where gyms are still closed, you simply can’t go back just yet. Just because you can’t (or aren’t ready to) go to the gym, that doesn’t mean your fitness has to suffer. Here are a few tips that can help you stay fit at home.

Invest in Some Weights

If lifting weights is your thing, consider investing in some. Sporting goods stores sell various weights as well as benches, bars, and other essential equipment.

Not quite ready to spend that kind of money on free weights? Take a look around your home. Items like jars, paint cans, and other household items may provide you with viable substitutions. If you have a scale, find out how much the items weigh and start lifting.

Try Calisthenics

Calisthenics involves using only your body weight to exercise. With a full routine, you can hit each muscle group and get an effective workout. Exercises to consider include:

Pushups.

Pullups.

Dips.

Squats (or squat jumps).

Burpees.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can search for videos online that will provide you with several routines. Fitness instructors and experts have provided numerous calisthenics exercises for individuals of all skill levels.

Get Outside (But Maintain a Safe Distance)

Staying indoors can wear on you. Fortunately, you can still go outside, get some fresh air, and exercise. You can walk, run, hike, bike, rollerblade, or do most of your calisthenics routine outdoors. Check to see if your local parks are open and utilize the trails or open field. Just be sure to follow the social distancing guidelines.

If you prefer to stay home, get the rest of your household involved. Bring your kids outside and help them to burn off some energy with a game of catch or tag. You can even bring your canine companions out for the fun. You’ll all get some exercise and improve your mental health at the same time.

Eat Well

Part of staying fit is eating well. Your body needs fuel for exercise (and to function properly), and the quality matters. Eat a well-balanced diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Include lean proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. You can add shakes like Gundry MD ProPlant complete shake to refuel after exercising to help rebuild tissue. Minimize heavily processed foods.

Along with eating a healthy diet, you should also drink plenty of water. Hydration is vital to bodily functions and becomes even more crucial when working out. Dehydration can affect your performance and your overall health. Keep a water bottle with you at all times (especially if you’re heading to the park), and be sure to use it.

Don’t Forget to Rest

While exercise is essential for optimal health and staying fit, don’t forget to rest. If you’re putting in several days of heavy lifting, intense calisthenics, or running or biking several miles, your muscles are going to need a break. Pushing yourself too hard every day makes it difficult for your muscles to repair themselves and can significantly impact your performance.

Give yourself a day or two a week to rest. Your muscles will have time to rebuild and strengthen and your body can recuperate. When you jump back into your routine, you’ll feel better, stronger, and ready to tackle whatever exercise plan you have ahead.

The gyms may be closed (or in the process of reopening), but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in shape. Exercising at home (or safely at a local park) can help you to stay fit and healthy, and can even help make being stuck at home a bit more bearable.