With shutdowns and social distancing measures, gyms and fitness studios can seem like scary and inconvenient risks. This doesn’t mean that you have to shell out thousands of dollars for exercise equipment. It also doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to a life of being a couch potato either. But you may be wondering how to keep your body in shape without your treasured elliptical or array of weights. All it takes to keep your body in motion is some floor space and a little inspiration. If you’re short on inspiration, here are some of the best ways to work out at home; no equipment is necessary.
Bodyweight Workouts
If you don’t have a home gym, bodyweight workouts are key. Using the resistance of your body weight, there are a plethora of exercises that you can do to work out nearly every muscle in your body. Planking for the core squats for the legs and glutes, and push-ups for the arms are all examples of bodyweight exercises. Furthermore, you can always use items found around your home to use as weights and add a little heat. If you are unsure of how to create a routine for yourself, do some research online or book a session with a personal trainer at home. You may start to find that you enjoy an at-home workout even more than you liked going to the gym.
Dancing
For ages, dance has been used as a form of physical exercise. It works your muscles, gets the blood flowing, the heart pumping, and releases stress from the body. From Barre to Zumba, many different fitness routines have sought the added benefits of dance. All that is needed to reap the amazing health benefits of dancing is some floor space and some sweet sweet jams. Throw on your favorite playlist and dance like nobody’s watching (because they aren’t, you’re at home). If you need a bit more structure than that, all you need is a good internet connection. You can access all sorts of instructional dance videos whether you are into hip hop, Latin, or ballet.
Yoga / Pilates
Similar to bodyweight exercises, yoga and pilates only require the use of your body weight. No matter your experience level you can get a good workout. Using a series of movements designed to not only tone and sculpt, but you can also detoxify, increase blood flow, and so much more. By working with a virtual personal trainer, you can build strength, increase flexibility and muscle definition with a yoga or pilates practice.
The coronavirus has changed the way we do a lot of things. Social distancing measures have impacted dining, concerts, and even fitness. By thinking outside the box, there are plenty of ways for you to get your sweat on without having to sacrifice the space and money a home gym requires. A yoga practice, dancing, even housework can become a good workout with a little thought and some inspiration. Hopefully, these suggestions have got you started thinking about working out in a new light.
