Introduction
Exercise is the act of physical activity that is important for having a healthy body. It can range from activities like running, swimming, cycling, weightlifting, or even mild stretching and yoga. It is a great way to stay healthy and fit, regardless of age or physical capabilities.
Exercise is beneficial for your mental and physical wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, strengthen immunity, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. While it has always been important to be getting regular exercise, it is even more so during the current lockdown period. In times of isolation, having a regular exercise routine can provide a sense of structure and normalcy that can help prevent mental health issues. In this article, we will provide simple, effective tips on how to stay fit during lockdown.
Benefits of Exercise
A. Improved Mental Health
Staying physically active can be great for improving mental wellbeing. Exercise helps to reduce feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety by releasing helpful hormones in the brain known as endorphins. It can also be beneficial in boosting self-esteem and helping your body to relax, even when we’re going through difficult times like a lockdown.
B. Long Term Weight Loss
It’s no secret that exercise can help you to keep off stubborn pounds, and it’s an important long-term tool for weight management. Regular, moderate exercise not only burns calories, but it can also help to build muscle mass which increases your metabolic rate and helps you to burn more calories over time.
C. Increased Energy and Endurance
It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise can actually help to give you more energy throughout the day. Regular exercise has been shown to improve strength, speed, and endurance, meaning that you feel less fatigued and have more energy to work with. This doesn’t just make it easier to stay healthy during a lockdown, but can help you for years to come.
Types of Exercises for Lockdown
A. Low-Impact Workouts
Being stuck in lockdown doesn’t mean your fitness journey has to stop! Look no further than low-impact workouts for a great option to get your sweat on from your own home. Low-impact exercises are great because they don’t stress your joints as much as high-impact workouts, perfect for those worried about hurting themselves or pushing their bodies too hard. Try exercises like light weights, swimming, walking or cycling – they can all be done indoors and make for great lockdown workouts.
B. Bodyweight Exercises
When you don’t have much access to the gym, it’s time to get creative! Bodyweight exercises are a great way to get in a great no-equipment workout. For example, you could do tricep dips on the edge of your couch or chair, squats against the wall, or even crunches on the floor. You can find tons of bodyweight exercises online, giving you an endless variety of workouts to keep your body challenged and your mind entertained.
C. Home Equipment Workouts
If you have access to the right equipment for home workouts, the possibilities are endless! Resistance bands, weights, and other equipment allows for a comprehensive workout from the comfort of your own space. Resistance bands, for example, offer a great full-body workout that can be tailored to different skills and fitness levels. Barbells and kettlebells are great for heavier, more intense exercises that are sure to get your heart rate up. Don’t forget about yoga mats, balance balls, and other pieces of equipment that can help you get the most out of your workouts without all the frills of the gym.
Tips for Exercising in Lockdown
A. Create a Routine: Getting back into a workout routine is key for success during lockdown. Start by setting aside some time either daily or weekly that you are committed to dedicate to working out. Once you decide when, it’s worth planning out what sort of workout you’re going to do each time. That way, you’ll easily be able to stay motivated and progress as you keep working out!
B. Have Variety in Your Workouts: It’s easy to become bored during lockdown and that can be especially true for working out. Keep things interesting by trying out different online classes or switching up workouts from day to day. Maybe you’ll go for a run one day, or invest in some weights to mix things up! Keeping it varied will help ensure that you stay motivated and keep progressing.
C. Set Small, Achievable Goals: One of the great things about having a routine when it comes to exercising is that it allows you to set objectives. Make sure these objectives are achievable! Starting out small will give you something to work towards and it’s always a good feeling to be slowly reaching any goals you’ve set. That could be anything from a weekly number of miles to run, or the number of HIIT classes you’ll take part in.
Conclusion
It’s important to stay fit and healthy during lockdown. Not only will it directly benefit your physical and mental well-being, but it’s also a great way to keep your energy levels up and put a bit of fun and structure into your day. With the tips and advice discussed in this article, it’s never been easier to stay in shape while indoors.
By regularly exercising, you’ll enjoy a plethora of benefits – improved physical health, better sleep patterns and greater mental clarity are just a few. Exercising during lockdown can also help to break up your day and give you something to focus on, helping to make it more enjoyable.
We’ve looked into several handy tips for staying fit during lockdown. This includes setting exercise goals, looking for online tutorials and exercises, mixing things up and keeping track of your progress. With a little bit of effort, there’s no reason why you can’t stay in shape during your time indoors!
