Every state and county has different restrictions and laws in place, but in general there is a consensus that we ought to stay home, stay safe, stay healthy. Though our regular routines may have been disrupted, gyms and parks closed, there is plenty we can do to get fit and stay in shape during COVID-19.
Maintaining a Good Diet
When it comes to proper exercise and weight management, it always starts with the diet. There are many reasons we’ve been getting out of shape during the Coronavirus. Our normal eating schedule has been disrupted, we’re bored and at home so we stress-eat. We no longer commute or burn calories from walking, sports seasons and usual recreational activities are canceled.
Let’s look at some solutions to this problem.
- Use a fitness tracker to set a goal for yourself and maintain a healthy metabolism.
- Lay off the carbs – aim for a diet rich in greens and proteins. If you’re giving your body less opportunity to burn carbs, you need to adjust your diet to match.
- Create an eating schedule for better habits. Only eat at those 2-3 specific times every day. Avoid late-night meals; it’s better and healthier to eat while the sun is still up so your food has time to digest before sleeping. This has proven weight-loss benefits.
Maintaining a Good Physique
Whether we considered ourselves fit or not before the quarantine, now is the perfect time to get into shape. Honestly speaking, our options are somewhat limited; but there are definitely several options.
Running
While many activities are off-limits, running is not. In fact, it is being encouraged in many cases, so long as you maintain the proper distance from others. Additionally, running or even walking will give you a chance to get your recommended dose of vitamin D – a vitamin some doctors think may help ward off the coronavirus as well as it’s general health benefits.
Avoidance While Running
Almost unanimously, states and cities aren’t requiring a mask for those carrying out activities such as running and walking (in fact, if you try you will find it very difficult to run WITH a mask on, at least a surgical N95 mask). Just keep in mind to maintain a distance of twelve or more feet or more from other pedestrians.
Depending on the environment in which you live, keeping your distance from others may still be difficult. Be aware of your setting and those around you, especially if there are those running in front of or behind you. They may leave a bigger cloud of virus particles in their wake.
Alternatives to Running
If you still feel uneasy with running, many other options are still available. A lot of gyms are now providing “virtual” training and classes. Most of these don’t require any home gym equipment and require at most a yoga mat or some simple weights.
If you do feel the equipment is necessary, many smaller gyms are renting out their equipment to help pay their dues during the interim. You can also find specialty online classes for specific equipment by searching for classes that are “Dumbbell Only” or et cetera. Additionally, there are hundreds and thousands of free workout videos on Youtube that are available for free. A variety of exercises are available – try looking up HIIT workouts, Tabata, yoga, or other simple and home-friendly exercises and find one to your liking.
