15 Tips To Staying In Shape While You’re Stuck In Quarantine
Staying in shape while stuck at home may seem like a challenge, especially since this quarantine has everyone working remotely. However, there are actually a bunch of ways to exercise at home and transform your space into a gym! It’s tempting to stay stuck at your desk all day, so here are some tips to get your body moving while in quarantine.
1. Get a Laptop Stand
You may not even notice it, but you’re probably slouching over while you’re reading this article! A great way to improve your posture is to find a laptop stand that will elevate your monitor.
A laptop stand will help you stretch your legs and protect your spine, all while getting work done! Amazon sells stands in all sorts of colours, and they can be pretty inexpensive – check them out here.
2. Do Some Yoga
It may not seem like the most heart-pumping exercise, but yoga is actually a fantastic way to get moving! Classic positions like Cobra and Pigeon can help to stretch muscles and improve flexibility.
All you need is a soft surface to practice on and a video to follow! Lululemon offers some great, 20-minute classes on Youtube, many of which are designed for beginners.
3. Try a Workout Challenge
If there is a particular area of the body you want to focus on, why not try a targeted, challenge? By zeroing in on a specific muscle, workout challenges help to really build up your strength in that area.
Programs like Chloe Ting’s 2 week “Abs Workout Challenge” are incredibly motivating and structured, and many people have seen amazing results!
4. Download the “Done” App
This quarantine has flipped our routines upside down, so it’s common to lose track of your fitness goals while at home. That’s why free, habit-tracker apps like “Done” can make sure you’re staying in shape!
“Done” tracks your fitness goals by keeping a “streak” of how often you exercise. You can set custom frequencies and assign different colours for different goals: read more about the app here!
5. Go for a Run
Try grabbing some fresh air and putting on your running shoes! Getting Vitamin D is important now more than ever, so taking a run outside will kill two birds with one stone.
Find a nice path, an upbeat running playlist, and you’re set! Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks when you need to.
6. Hop on A Bike
Continuing on from the last tip, another way to get outside is to go on a bike ride! Try setting a particular destination or distance goal so that you feel more accomplished at the end of your ride.
Don’t forget to bring a helmet!
7. Find an Accountability Partner
Although fitness is a personal journey, it’s also fun to do workouts with friends! When you have a motivating partner to help you along the way, staying in shape is a much more attainable goal.
Choose a workout you both like, and then follow along on a video call. You’re bound to break a better sweat when you have even better company!
8. Invest in Equipment
Are you missing the machines and resources at your local gym? If so, you may want to buy some dumbbells or resistance bands to enhance your workouts at home.
Workout gear is easy to find online, but tends to get a bit pricey. Then again, if you’re making a real financial commitment, you’re more likely to actually use the equipment!
9. Sign Up for a (Virtual) Dance Class
Although dance studios are closed right now, many are offering online classes you can do from the comfort of your own home!
Studios like The Underground Dance Centre in Toronto have monthly memberships that give you access to all kinds of classes. From Jazz Funk to Beyoncé, there’s truly something for everyone!
10. Carve Out Specific Times
Staying in shape may be intimidating if you already have a busy schedule, but if you set a specific time of day to exercise (e.g. first thing in the morning), you are more likely to follow through!
Put your workout in your calendar to truly cement it into your day. If you keep at it, soon enough, exercising will become a part of your quarantine routine!
11. Document Your Progress
In order to stay inspired in your fitness journey, try to track your progress in a journal or notebook. Everyday, write down the workout you did and how you felt before, during, and after.
Look back on your entries throughout the week, and feel proud when you find improvements! Tracking your progress will motivate you to keep going, and will be amazing to re-read a year from now.
12. Follow Fitness Influencers
Sometimes it’s easier to visualize your workout goals if you have someone to look up to. That’s why fitness bloggers and content creators are a great source of motivation.
Instagram accounts like @kikifitness_ post daily workout routines and lots of helpful fitness tips. However, be mindful of comparison: instead, try to see influencers as sources of support!
13. Set Realistic Goals
Toned muscles don’t magically appear overnight, so keep in mind that staying in shape is an ongoing process.
Take a moment to identify specific goals, and work towards those. For instance, if you are doing 10 squats with a 30 pound weight this week, make next week’s goal to do 20 with a 40 pound weight!
14. Eat Energizing Foods
Your body is just like a car: it needs gas to get moving! Good food is your fuel, so give your body the nutrients and energy it needs in order to exercise to its greatest potential.
Check out a list of great pre-workout food options here!
15. Wear Cute Workout Clothes
Just like investing in physical equipment, buying sports bras and leggings will keep you financially accountable for working out!
Also, if you feel good in the clothes you’re wearing, you are likely to put more effort into your exercise. Brands like Alo Yoga and Fabletics offer clothes that are both trendy and comfortable!
