Exercise During the Pandemic

For a lot of people, staying at home during the COVID-19 outbreak has put the brakes on their workout routine. Gyms and pools have been closed, and those that are reopening are often limiting capacity in order to keep people safe. On the flipside, quarantining has given folks a unique opportunity to start or restart an exercise regimen.

The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity. The good news is you can meet those numbers at home with limited space and no special equipment. Here are some easy ways to do it.

Walk

Walking remains one of the very best forms of exercise. It’s easy to do and only requires a good pair of shoes. Plan a regular time to walk each day. You can get a family member or friend to join you, too, as long as you keep a safe social distance. If you have to be on a business or personal call during the day, stand up and walk around your home while you talk. Every step counts!

Be a kid again

It sounds simple, but even old childhood activities can be great exercise. Try jumping rope or going for a bike ride. It may have been a while, but both of those are great, easy, enjoyable ways to get your blood pumping.

Use your bodyweight

Simple muscle-strengthening movements like squats, push-ups, and lunges are perfect exercises. And you don’t need equipment or a gym to do them. Just the weight of your own body.

Download a workout app

There are lots of apps for your smart phone that will give you complete workout plans, suggestions, and even progress tracking. Most assume you’ll be working out at home and offer workouts that don’t require much equipment. Many can even be completed in just a matter of minutes. Search your app store for one that works for you.

Take an online exercise class

There’s a wealth of online exercise classes you can take advantage of, from aerobics to spinning and everything in between. Many are free on sites like YouTube. If you don’t have experience with classes like these, take it slow to start as you work your way into better shape.

Relax

Exercise is a great stress-reliever, but so is simple relaxation. Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help you relax and bring your blood pressure down during this stressful time. And that’s incredibly healthy, too.

Starting an exercise program is a great idea anytime, but there may not be a better time than now. If you’re thinking about getting active again, especially if it involves moderate or vigorous activity, make sure you discuss your plans with your doctor first. They’ll have the best guidance for you and your situation.