You Are Not Alone

For most people the thought of not attending a studio class or going to the gym for an extended period of time is terrifying. Outdoor alternatives like running or walking in this environment can also seem scary. The idea that the place you live, eat and sleep is now the place you would have to exercise seems strange. The stress of isolation from your workout community and the fear of not being able to disconnect create a new form of anxiety you have probably never dealt with before.

If this sounds familiar, the good news is you are not alone.

With clearly no other choice but to exercise at home, putting a little time and effort into your space, routine and schedule can make your at-home workout as effective as a studio or gym workout.

Space:

When designing your exercise space at-home, it should feel both energetic and calm depending on the type of workout you are doing. Choose a space that is away from the chaos of everyday life, like a small corner of your bedroom or an outdoor patio. Choose what makes sense for you in the space, what you’re using it for, dim the lights for yoga, roll up the carpet and pump up the music for HITT.  Creating a space that is conducive to working out is critical to your success.

Routine:

Exercise is important for your overall well-being. If you are a gym goer and don’t need instruction to stay motivated, choose exercises that target different areas of your body and you’ll have a full-body workout in 30 minutes or less. Focus on the basics, squats, pushups and planks. These bodyweight exercises build strength and get your heart rate up. For people looking for guidance, there are a variety of virtual subscription services for just about every taste and most local studios and gyms are offering on-demand and live-streaming classes so you can still feel a part of your community if that’s what drives you. Continuing to exercise and maintaining some semblance of a routine is crucial during these uncertain times.

Schedule:

Working out might be one of the best ways you can pass time while you’re self-quarantined.  Just as you would schedule time for school work and meetings, schedule time to exercise. On top of the benefits for your body, exercise is a great stress-reliever.

While at-home workouts may not be able to replace your favorite studio or gym, they can certainly help boost your mood and sustain some sense of normalcy in an abnormal situation. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, be creative, stay positive and sweat as much as possible!