Fitness enthusiasts are bound to be frustrated they can no longer hit the gym or attend exercises classes now the nation is in lockdown. However, that doesn’t mean they have to let themselves go, as there are still plenty of things they can do to keep their fitness levels up.
Most people do not have a home gym or access to all the equipment they have become used to, but they can still enjoy effective cardio and strength exercises.
Here are just a few ways they can remain fit and healthy over the next few weeks.
1) Go for a run
While lockdown means we have to stay at home, we are allowed to leave the house for a couple of reasons. This includes taking part in a form of exercise once a day, so long as we, or anyone in the household, do not have symptoms.
Therefore, those who want to release some of their pent-up energy and get their blood pumping are still able to go for a run outside.
As long as you have the right running sneakers, you can hit the tarmac and jog till your heart’s content. This will do wonders for your health, not only burning calories and increasing your heart rate, but also providing a good dose of fresh air, which will be good for your mental wellbeing.
2) Cycle
Similarly, you are permitted to go for a cycle, which will give you the same benefits of being out in the open, without the risk of coming into close contact with other people.
Even those who do not normal hop on their bike or take part in a spinning class might consider dusting off their two wheels, if it means they can burn some energy and break a sweat.
According to Cycling Weekly, there are lots of benefits of cycling, including weight loss. While it might be tempting to snack while staying at home all day, getting on your bike could be a good antidote to this, as it burns between 400 and 1,000 calories per hour.
It also builds muscles around glutes, hamstrings, claves and quads, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on weight training at the gym.
Those who worry about their joints might opt for cycling over running, as it is not a weight bearing sport, and therefore, is considered low impact. Scientists revealed that runners endure 133 to 144 per cent more muscle damage and 256 per cent more inflammation than cyclists, which might be a good enough reason to put on your helmet and head out on the open road.
However, it is important to remember to only cycle with those in your household to avoid spreading or contracting the virus. Alternatively, cycling alone can be very therapeutic, with only the landscape as company.
3) Garden routines
There are an abundant of exercise routines you can do in your living room, but why not move these to the garden? You might be sick of staring at the same four walls, and a change of scenery will do you good.
Soak up the sunshine, get some fresh air, and enjoy the space as you create a routine for yourself.
You don’t need equipment to have a good workout, and your routine will depend on whether you are trying to build muscle or burn fat. My Fitness Pal recommends a sequence of reverse lunges, lateral split squats, pushups, hip bridges and mountain climbers for a simple but impactful overall total-body workout.
Most people do not have a home gym or access to all the equipment they have become used to, but they can still enjoy effective cardio and strength exercises.
Here are just a few ways they can remain fit and healthy over the next few weeks.
1) Go for a run
While lockdown means we have to stay at home, we are allowed to leave the house for a couple of reasons. This includes taking part in a form of exercise once a day, so long as we, or anyone in the household, do not have symptoms.
Therefore, those who want to release some of their pent-up energy and get their blood pumping are still able to go for a run outside.
As long as you have the right running sneakers, you can hit the tarmac and jog till your heart’s content. This will do wonders for your health, not only burning calories and increasing your heart rate, but also providing a good dose of fresh air, which will be good for your mental wellbeing.
2) Cycle
Similarly, you are permitted to go for a cycle, which will give you the same benefits of being out in the open, without the risk of coming into close contact with other people.
Even those who do not normal hop on their bike or take part in a spinning class might consider dusting off their two wheels, if it means they can burn some energy and break a sweat.
According to Cycling Weekly, there are lots of benefits of cycling, including weight loss. While it might be tempting to snack while staying at home all day, getting on your bike could be a good antidote to this, as it burns between 400 and 1,000 calories per hour.
It also builds muscles around glutes, hamstrings, claves and quads, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on weight training at the gym.
Those who worry about their joints might opt for cycling over running, as it is not a weight bearing sport, and therefore, is considered low impact. Scientists revealed that runners endure 133 to 144 per cent more muscle damage and 256 per cent more inflammation than cyclists, which might be a good enough reason to put on your helmet and head out on the open road.
However, it is important to remember to only cycle with those in your household to avoid spreading or contracting the virus. Alternatively, cycling alone can be very therapeutic, with only the landscape as company.
3) Garden routines
There are an abundant of exercise routines you can do in your living room, but why not move these to the garden? You might be sick of staring at the same four walls, and a change of scenery will do you good.
Soak up the sunshine, get some fresh air, and enjoy the space as you create a routine for yourself.
You don’t need equipment to have a good workout, and your routine will depend on whether you are trying to build muscle or burn fat. My Fitness Pal recommends a sequence of reverse lunges, lateral split squats, pushups, hip bridges and mountain climbers for a simple but impactful overall total-body workout.
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