COVID-19 has disrupted lives in many ways. In addition to putting a hold on social interactions, it has also forced nonessential businesses—including gyms—to close until further notice. If you don’t want to gain weight and lose muscle mass during this pandemic, it’s important to do everything you can to stay in shape at home. Here are five suggestions for staying fit and healthy while gyms are shut down.
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Fight the Bulge in the Kitchen
It’s a well-known fact that what you eat has a huge impact on your body composition. Although you may be tempted to reach for unhealthy comfort foods during this uncertain time, your body needs healthier fuel. Keep your fridge and cupboards stocked with fresh vegetables and fruits whenever possible. If you’re avoiding the store, try purchasing bags of frozen fruits and vegetables that will last you a few weeks.
If you’re a little pudgy after you emerge from quarantine despite your best efforts, schedule a weight loss consultation with Newport Medical and Wellness Center. They can create a personalized program that will help you meet your weight loss goals.
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Turn Up Your Favorite Tunes and Dance
Staying at home can get old fast, but there are healthy things you can do to expend energy. Instead of heading to the game room to spend hours playing Xbox, turn up your favorite music and dance. Get the entire family involved in your spontaneous dance parties. Once you get your blood pumping, you’ll feel an instant mood boost that will help you get through weeks of isolation.
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Create a Family-Friendly Workout Routine
Who says you can’t work out just because the gym is closed? There are plenty of exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home. Start by tuning into your favorite workout channels on YouTube, or create your own family-friendly workout routine. Here are some exercise suggestions to add to your routine:
- Planks
- Jumping jacks
- Triceps dips
- High knees
- Lunges/reverse lunges
- Star jacks
- Squats
- Skaters
- Pushups
- Butt-kickers
These suggestions include a combination of weight training and cardio moves, which will help you maintain well-rounded fitness.
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Try “Housewalking”
“Housewalking” is a term coined by Lisa Lillien, founder of Hungry Girl. As the name suggests, it simply involves walking around your house as much as you can. Walk while you’re brushing your teeth, watching television or talking on your phone. To make this activity as fun as possible, wear a step counter and have walking competitions with your family members to see who can get the most steps in a single day.
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Clean the House With Gusto
Staying fit and healthy doesn’t require you to do formal “workouts.” As long as you’re moving and working up a sweat, any activity can help you stay in shape. Common housework is a great way to get your daily exercise in. You just need to do it with high energy. Try giving yourself a specific period of time to clean each room in your home. The faster you work, the better your home-cleaning workout will be.
Don’t let COVID-19 derail your fitness goals. With a little ingenuity and determination, you can emerge from this crisis in better shape than you were in when it first began.
