During these difficult times under quarantine, it is important to maintain our fitness levels because our lives are likely to have become much more sedentary, and are full of distractions in the home. We will have taken for granted the daily walk to the station or to catch the bus, and gyms and yoga studios have become no go zones due to the virus. Temptations in the home can lead to binge eating or to losing focus on our nutritional intake so it is important for our wellbeing to counter these effects and to undertake regular exercise. 

Here we will take a look at the different fitness practices that you can do while under quarantine.

Running

Running is one of the most cost-effective forms of exercise due to the fact a pair of trainers is all you need to start pounding those streets and burning those calories. Anyone can start running at any fitness level and there are ample programs available to take you from zero to 5km or more if you are lacking motivation. Why running? Well, due to the weight-bearing nature of running, you will strengthen your muscles and tendons which can lead to a better posture and sense of wellbeing. Furthermore, you will improve your cardiovascular fitness which is important for the health of your heart and overall fitness levels as you will burn calories and shed excess weight.

Are there any other benefits of running? Yes, plenty! Not only is running a boon to your physical health but it can be a lifesaver to many with mental health issues. This is because running reduces stress levels by emitting endorphins which naturally give you a sense of euphoria. The common phrase ‘the runner’s high’ is no joke! So, what are you waiting for? Pull-on those trainers and get running, not only will you feel naturally high and burn calories, but you can also eat that extra piece of cake for a treat. It’s a win-win situation!

Yoga

Yoga is perhaps the hottest thing right now in quarantine due to its accessibility to all. All you need is a yoga mat (or a thick carpet) and some loose-fitting clothes and you can lose yourself in a tough pose and find that inner peace and well being that is vital to the discipline. If you are a beginner and interested in learning about yoga, you can find many programs on the internet, or blogs that will introduce you to the practice and allow you to feel more confident. You can join a regular group with a teacher so that you can learn the poses correctly, without injuring yourself.

As summer approaches it can also be rewarding to practice yoga in the outdoors, whether in your garden or a local park or even, if you are lucky enough, on the beach. It can be a great activity for the kids as it will prove to be mentally stimulating as well as help them to gain strength and fitness. Furthermore, it might give you a bit of peace and quiet as they are likely to be dead to the world after a long session! So, what are you waiting for, download that video, and get started! It is a low-cost way for the whole family to get fit together whilst also improving your mental health.

Body resistance training

Maybe yoga and running aren’t for you and you’re looking for something that will help you to build muscle whilst you’re at home in quarantine. Maybe you’re a gym bunny who is looking to replicate your normal routine at home. Well, why not try a home exercise plan based on your own body? That’s right, your own body can be the perfect tool to help you get fit using resistance. There are many common exercises like press-ups, squats, lunges, or burpees that we have all heard of that can be a great way to work out to increase your strength. Try planking every morning and after a month you will notice real gains, and possibly even that elusive six-pack! 

As we have seen there are many different fitness practices we can do whilst in quarantine that cost little or next to nothing and that can be done inside or outdoors. Furthermore, they can also be enjoyed by the whole family and will help to create a sense of wellbeing and togetherness that you may not otherwise have enjoyed. There is no reason why the whole family cannot use the  quarantine to their advantage to improve both physical and mental health!