Coronavirus has been scary for many of us but it doesn’t mean that you can’t find something positive and stress relieving during this time. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get stronger both mentally and physically, and in my opinion, the best way for doing that is through exercise. Here are some social isolation workout ideas that can be done inside or outdoors.
Exercise not only builds endorphins, which make you feel good, but it also makes time go by a lot faster. Here are some tips regarding working out both inside and outside your home while avoiding the gym.
- Running: I try running either inside on the treadmill or outside in the neighborhood every day. I run about 3.5 to 5 miles, which is pretty extreme but my goal is to work my way toward a half-marathon. I discovered that goal during isolation. If you don’t like to run (or walk), there’s also biking. Take your bike out for a spin. Some people have peloton bikes, too. Great exercise!
- I also try jumping rope outside now instead of inside to enjoy the fresh air. I do four sets each day and try to do a few “double-unders” once I’m advanced past just plain jumping rope.
- As far as working out goes, Andrea bought me a set of weights months ago that I’ve been using for 30 to 45 minutes per day. Sometimes I work out full-blast in the morning and a little bit at night. I set personal goals to see if I can hit them, like how many pushups I can do without stopping.
- Don’t have weights? No problem. If you don’t have weights, an exercise band works great too. You can put it on a door and do chest, shoulders or back. You can put it under your feet and do biceps, triceps or shoulders. You can also do pushups, sit-ups and crunches without a single weight.
- I like doing jumping jacks, too. I do two sets of 100 every day. Again, no weights are needed.
- The important thing is to have a schedule and not let yourself stray from it too much. Change your workout routine every day but try to do it at the exact same time.
- You don’t have someone to motivate you? No problem. Take virtual classes if you can. Ask your trainer if that’s an option. There are a lot of free exercise videos online right now.
- Keep your mind off the time through distraction. I try watching a TV show during my workouts and runs so I’m not thinking about how long I have left. Sometimes I’ll listen to music, too.
- Keep track of your workouts. Write things down. That way you know what you did the day before and you can see how you’re improving week to week.
- You want to know how you have gotten in better shape since the coronavirus age began? Take pictures on the day you started and take pictures once a week to see your improvement. Be proud of how much strength you’ve gained during this tough time.
So there’s my advice of how to not only to find something to do during this slow time but also a way to better yourself. Look at the next several weeks less as an obstacle and more as an opportunity to improve your mental and physical strength. Let’s come out of this in amazing shape.
Live your dreams and love your life.
Andy