The coronavirus pandemic has caused a huge shift in everyone’s way of life. Many businesses have closed due to the increased possibility of infection from COVID-19. Gyms and health clubs are among the types of businesses that have stayed closed for the longest time. Thus making it difficult for people to stay fit.
Gym enthusiasts are disappointed by the continuing closures. Going to the gym is beneficial, socially, physically, and mentally. When people are looking for new ways to exercise while gyms are closed, they will find many exciting options for your at home workout.
Deven Patel gives eight alternatives to the gym so that fitness-minded people can continue to work out and keep themselves in the best possible shape.
1. Running
Running is one of the easiest ways to get exercise outside the gym and stay fit. One of the best things about running is that it requires almost no equipment, just properly fitting running shoes and clothing, and a safe place to exercise. Running is excellent for cardiovascular fitness, and it is a good way to lose weight. It is generally a solitary sport, and it can be the perfect way to collect your thoughts and take the long view of life’s difficulties.
If you choose to start running, you should not push yourself too quickly. If you are not accustomed to working out, you should work yourself up to running by using a Couch to 5K program or something similar. This will help you gradually extend your running time so that you don’t push yourself into an injury.
2. Walking
If your joints are compromised or don’t feel that running would be good for you, walking can help cardiovascular and overall fitness. Ideally, fit people should try to get 10,000 steps every day, which works out to approximately 5 miles. Walking is also an exercise that can be undertaken as a family, meaning that you will have excellent family bonding time. You can also walk or run on a treadmill to stay fit.
3. At-Home Videos
Video workouts are becoming more popular during the pandemic. There are videos available for yoga, Pilates, cardio exercise, kickboxing, and many other exciting options. Many of these workouts can be found for free online. One of the best providers of free at-home workout videos at all levels is Fitness Blender.
The one caveat that people should keep in mind when doing workout videos is that they need to be sure their form is exactly right. Doing these exercises the wrong way could lead to strains and injuries.
4. Bodyweight Workouts
If you can’t get to the gym, you might be worried that you can’t do any serious resistance training. It is possible to get a good strength workout at home, using bodyweight exercises and devices like the TRX. Bodyweight exercises can be just as beneficial as free weights or gym equipment weight lifting.
5. Live Classes
Live classes are another alternative to the free online video. Many fitness equipment manufacturers like Peloton offer their own branded live classes that go with their products. Other local gyms or fitness centers may offer at-home courses via ZOOM or another video chat program. This is better than working out to a YouTube video because the instructor can correct your form.
6. Hiking
Along the same vein as walking and running, wilderness hiking is another fun way to stay in shape. Hiking presents many physical and mental challenges, and in most parts of the country, there are beautiful natural views to explore. Hiking becomes an absorbing hobby of its own, and many novice hikers find that it becomes a fantastic complement to working out at home.
7. Swimming
While not all pools are open again, some may be available for individual swimmers. In warm weather, you can also swim in a lake or river or the ocean. Swimming is a beneficial exercise because it works the entire body at once. Beginning swimmers receive a great deal of help with their cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance.
8. Yoga
Yoga may be looked down upon by some “serious” fitness enthusiasts, but it shouldn’t be left out of a list of alternative workouts. It promotes balance, flexibility, and strength, in addition to its mental and spiritual benefits. An online or in-person yoga class may be just the thing to give you variety in your COVID workout routine.
Staying Active
If you regularly exercise, you know that it presents a huge benefit to your physical and mental health. While it is frustrating that many gyms and fitness centers continue to be closed, they are beginning to reopen with coronavirus restrictions. If you feel uncomfortable at the gym, you can try one of these new workouts or a combination of different exercises. Deven Patel encourages everyone to put time into their physical fitness.
Featured Image by skeeze from Pixabay
