When certain animals go into hibernation, they eat as much as they can. All that “fat” that they add to their bodies keeps them sustained when they go through their deep sleep.
Unfortunately, humans weren’t designed that way. Although we might be locked in our houses with all kinds of snacks and treats, we shouldn’t just eat our way through self-isolation. We also have to stay physically active.
Actually, it is even more important to stay physically fit so that your immune system can fight off viruses. Just because you’re staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t work out. Here’s what you can do:
Go Out for A Walk
The great outdoors is waiting for you. At least, the great outdoors within a few block radius of your home. Being on lockdown doesn’t mean being locked in. You can get a lot of exercise by walking around your block. Social distancing won’t be a problem because you’ll see anyone else walking towards you before they get close. A friendly nod as you bypass them is all you need.
Going outside can also provide you with a much-needed boost of Vitamin D from the sunlight. That will have a benefit for your body and your mental health. Just be sure you take a bottle of water with you when you’re walking so you stay hydrated. Use an app to count your steps and try to go a little further every day.
Exercise Online
There is a vast world of free and/or affordable workouts waiting for you online. These workouts are designed to be done from the comfort of your living room or wherever you set up your laptop. The online workouts you’ll find could be for yoga, boxing, dancing cardio or just simple exercises. Find something you like and set up a daily session. If you can get other members of the family to join in, then all the better.
Do a Quick Circuit
Along with your walking (maybe running and biking), you can also do some circuit training at home without the need for fancy machines or weights. If you’re just starting working out, then do one round.
Here’s a great circuit to perform provided by London celebrity trainer, Dan Roberts:
Air squat: Stand with feet hip-width apart, lower hips to the floor, and return to standing, driving heels into the floor. Do 1 set of 30 reps.
Negative push-up: Start in a push-up position, knees on the floor if you need a modification. Lower chest until it touches the floor, then push up to starting position. Do 2 sets of 12 reps.
Alternating knee strike: Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart. Drive left knee up and forward, leaning upper-body back about 45 degrees and driving from hips. Return to start and repeat with the other knee. Do 1 set of 50 reps.
Rotating V sit: Sit on your tailbone with legs out in front of you, knees bent. Lift feet three inches off the floor arms out in front as if you’re holding an imaginary football. Rotate your torso from side to side. Each 180-degree turn is a rep. Do 1 set of 20 reps.
Standing broad jumps: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent. Jump forward, bending your knees to cushion your landing, ending in a deep squat position. Take a few steps back to the starting position and repeat. Do 1 set of 20 reps.
After any workout session, you’ll feel a lot better about breaking into the snacks!
