Tip for Staying Active & Healthy During Quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many of us to self-isolate and practice social distancing, but this should not prevent us from staying active. Exercising at home and maintaining (or developing) an active lifestyle is an important part of keeping both your body and your mind healthy.

Here are some of the best ways to keep yourself active during the quarantine, while still maintaining social distancing procedures!

 

Best Outdoor Solo Exercises 

While the quarantine does not prohibit people from going outside, those who do should still practice social distancing and adhere to CDC and local government guidelines when they head out to exercise. Below are a few great ways to take advantage of the outdoors!

 

Dog-Walking 

Us humans may have been told to spend as much time as possible at home, but this does not apply to our pets. Our dogs still need their daily walks, and this is a great opportunity to grab some light exercise for both you and your furry friend. Just remember to keep at least 6 feet distance between yourself and other dog walkers!

 

Jogging

If you never really got into jogging, now is the time to try! Jogging can be either intense or light exercise, depending on the speed and distance you prefer. It is a great way to get active, and can be extremely rewarding the more into it you get.

 

Cycling

 People often go cycling in groups but it is just as fun cycling solo. Like running, it can be very rewarding setting (then beating) personal distance goals. 

It is also a good idea to swap out the car rides or public transportation commutes with a bike ride. Not only does this sneak in exercise, but it is also better for the environment and helps you stick to the social distancing guidelines if you would have otherwise taken public transportation.

 

Best Indoor Exercises for Small Spaces 

When we don’t have access to a gym with all its space and equipment, we have to improvise. Fortunately, thanks to the internet, it is now easier than ever to work out at home using resources you can find for free online.

Whether you prefer going along with a Youtube video or following instructions from a Facebook or Instagram influencer, there is something for everyone. Here are a few popular exercises that you can easily do at home, even with limited space.

 

Yoga 

There are plenty of online yoga classes, both free and paid. Some Youtube channels even offer complete playlists for beginners so this is a great time to start something new.

If you have never done yoga before it is good to know that there are many variations that differ in intensity. For example, yin yoga is slower and focuses on holding stretches, while vinyasa and ashtanga yoga are more intense.

 

Pilates 

Pilates is another very popular home exercise with plenty of online resources available. This form of exercise focuses on creating flexibility, balance and a better posture by strengthening muscles.

Again, there are many variations to pilates and sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between pilates and general aerobics and fitness exercises. So, browse around for different online instructors or fitness plans and choose the one that best fits you.

 

Weight Lifting

If you are trying to bulk up then weight lifting should be part of your exercise routine. Few of us have the space for large weight lifting equipment at home but most of us have the space for smaller dumbbells and kettlebells.

As with the other exercises on this list, there are plenty of online resources for at-home dumbbell workouts.

 

Steps

Have stairs in the house or apartment building? You don’t need a fitness step to get your steps in.

 If there are steep steps in a public area where you live, you can make use of those steps, too. Combining this with your routine jog will make for a great workout!

 

Jump Rope 

There is a reason why boxers incorporate jump rope into their routine exercise. It is great cardio exercise, strengthens muscles in the legs and arms and is also good for developing focus. 

Jump rope requires a little more space because you don’t want to trip or smack things on the floor with the rope. It is also best to do this outdoors if you live in an apartment so you don’t disturb the neighbours.

 

Why Exercise at all?

 Keeping yourself active not only benefits you physically, but it is also incredibly important for keeping a healthy mental state. As quarantine times are extended across Buffalo and the rest of the country, it can be extremely mentally taxing for individuals who are used to daily socialisation. Suddenly being cut off from in-person social interactions, combined with being stuck inside all day and inactive is a recipe for lack of motivation and even depression.

Getting outside in the fresh air, eating healthily, and exercising will help you tremendously until the quarantine is lifted.