April 7, 2020
As many fitness gurus can attest, this is a really hard time to stick with fitness goals. The COVID-19 pandemic’s stay-at-home order and the necessary closures of nonessential businesses means gyms are closed.
While we may not be able to lift heavyweights in a crowded gym while jamming out to our favorite tunes with our headphones up too loud, there are other ways to reach fitness goals and stay active while staying in line with restrictions. Outdoor exercise is still allowed, so a run, hike or at-home workout in your driveway is a great way to get some movement in.
Make some new goals! Instead of aiming for that deadlift PR, aim for a set number of pushups, sit-ups or jumping squats. There are plenty of at-home ways to keep your heartrate up while hitting new goals.
Here’s a workout you can literally do in your living room while binge-watching “Tiger King” or whatever your favorite TV show may be:
- 10 push-ups (kneel to make it easier or put your hands on an elevated surface like a wall or your beloved couch. To increase difficulty, try adding some weight by putting on your backpack with your fifty-pound textbooks in it)
- 20 sit-ups (put a blanket or hoodie under you if the floor hurts your back)
- 15 squats (if this is too easy, try jumping squats or utilize all those books you bought at the start of the semester and put your backpack on to add weight)
- 30 sec plank (add or subtract time according to your fitness level)
- 10 tricep dips (put your palms on the couch, chair or coffee table. Extend your legs to make it harder and keep your feet closer to you to make it easier)
- 15 pulsing lunges (perform 15 with your left leg forward and then 15 with your right leg forward. Again, perform jumping lunges or throw on your backpack to make it more difficult.
Rest one minute and repeat as needed.
Depending on your fitness level, you could perform this workout once through, or you could repeat it eight times! Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have at home.
It can be easy to sit at home and neglect your fitness goals when you don’t have your usual access to the gym, but taking 30 mins a day to devote to your fitness can be a huge boost not only to you physically but mentally, and that is critical during times like this.
So, grab a mat or a blanket, crank some tunes or put on your favorite TV show and get moving! Your body, and your brain, will thank you.