As the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate, most gyms and workplaces have closed their doors in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Because most of the country is now working from home, exercise may be more important than ever right now. While this means it may be a little harder to get the workout that you want, there are still plenty of ways to keep moving while in isolation. Here are five ways to keep your endorphins flowing all while safely distancing yourself from others:
Take a virtual yoga class
Yoga is a form of exercise that combines breath and body work for a challenging workout that can be easily done in the comfort of your own home. Because yoga studios and gyms have been ordered to shut down for the time being, many yoga instructors are out of work. If you’re a regular yogi and typically go to a studio for classes, check and see if the instructors are posting their classes online. If not, there are a ton of free videos on YouTube! Pick a beginners class if you’re trying it for the first time.
EMOM
EMOM stands for every minute on the minute. It’s a form of circuit workout that’s meant to elevate your heart rate and is sure to leave you sweating. The idea is to complete each exercise in under one minute, and the remaining time left in the minute is the amount of time you have to rest before starting the next exercise.
Pick five different exercises before you start. For example, if your first exercise is to do 10 burpees and it takes you 30 seconds to do the burpees, then you have 30 seconds to rest before moving on to your next exercise. Repeat your circuits as many times as you want or as many as you possibly can!
Go for a run or walk outside
Because the gyms are closed, you might not have access to a treadmill or elliptical to do your daily cardio. While the weather warms up, going for a run or walk outdoors is a perfect way to get your daily steps in while getting some fresh air. Take your dog on a walk to a local park, or go on a run to get some extra energy out. Just make sure you’re keeping your distance from others!
Makeshift weight training
The closing of gyms nationwide has arguably been the hardest on people who lift weights frequently. For those who don’t have dumbbells at home, it’s time to get creative. Fill up old milk jugs or plastic water bottles with rocks, change or whatever else you can find and use them as dumbbells.
Online pilates
If weight training is not your thing, try an online pilates class to get your daily exercise in. While pilates is typically done in a studio with machines, it can also be modified to be done from home using only your body weight.
There are several free classes you can find on YouTube. Most classes are only 15 to 30 minutes long, so they’re perfect for anyone wanting to get a quick sweat in before their work day starts.
