While some have found it harder to stay active during lockdowns, many have found a renewed appreciation for being healthy and fit by exercising.
If you’re looking to jumpstart or reignite your fitness journey right now, here are some ideas on the best ways of staying active no matter where you are!
Table of Contents:
What activities can you do to stay active at home or during quarantine?
Given that staying at home has its perks, it is not always inspiring to keep moving. However, there are plenty of ways to increase that heart rate even when you are stuck at home.
• Stand up while working-from-home.
One of the easiest exercises while working at home is to stand up while working. You can even opt to purchase a standing desk to make things smoother for you!
• Clean the house.
You can exercise by tidying up your home. Scrubbing the kitchen floor and vacuuming that old carpet are moves that are bound to work up a sweat.
• Home workouts/ Youtube workouts.
You don't need the gym or a personal trainer to stay active. When you open up Google or Youtube, all you have to do is type in "free online workouts," and you'll find thousands, if not millions, of available exercise moves that you can do at home.
• Sneak in some moves during TV commercials or when watching your favorite series.
Make those long commercial breaks more productive by slipping in a set or two of push-ups or squats.
• Tend to your garden.
In doing this, you are taking care of your lush green babies while getting your fill of Vitamin D, all the while stretching out your muscles.
What are the best workouts for staying active at the gym?
There are lots of workout activities that you can do at the gym to keep your heart rate up. However, your routine should depend on what you’re looking to achieve.
Here are some things that you can do to stay active at the gym:
• Warm-up exercises.
Warming up decreases your risk for injury and signals your body to be prepared. This is why we are putting this on top of the list lest you be tempted to skip it.
• Cardio.
Cardio strengthens the heart, improves your lung capacity, enhances your energy, and helps you shed some pounds! For cardio, you can work the elliptical, treadmill, stair climber, or even try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
• Weight or Strength Training.
Building your muscles helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, helps with energy, and even lowers the risk for cancer. So, incorporating several reps of deadlifts, dumbbell chest press, or hip thrusts are good places to start.
• Yoga/ Pilates/ Barre.
Targeting flexibility, these exercises allow you to perform a full range of motion while reducing the likelihood of injuries. They also help improve your posture and balance.
• Join a class.
Participating in group fitness classes boosts retention rates, indicates an IHRSA study. So, make some friends in class so that you can have fun while sweating it out. Or, if it’s too much out of your comfort zone, snag yourself a workout buddy or an accountability partner!
What are the best ways to stay active outdoors?
Here are a few simple ways to keep active outdoors:
• Running.
Running allows you to raise your heart rate as you get some sun while you spend time outside. Strengthen your muscles, burn some calories, and get that endorphin high when pounding the pavement!
• Biking.
Pedal through some new trails to build your muscles while strengthening your joints. Bike rides are a great way to keep moving, it’s also a great excuse to discover new spots as you appreciate nature.
• Hiking.
Trudging along beautiful trails not only does you good physically, but it also treats you to some of the most amazing views possible that are beneficial to your mental health.
• Swimming.
Heading to the beach for a swim is a way to boost endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
• Skiing or Snowboarding.
Hitting the chilly slopes is another great way to get moving. Grab a buddy or two and improve your flexibility as you work up those core muscles while skiing or snowboarding.
Stay protected as you stay active with these must-haves!
If you’re a wanderer and have a proclivity to stay active outdoors, it’s always necessary to wear the right kind of protection. To help give you an idea of what to bring with you the next time you stay active, here’s our list:
• Sun Hats or Visors.
High-performing sun hats with UPF 50+ protection should be the first ones in your backpacks, especially in the summer! You can rest your worries about sun damage and premature aging when you check outGearTOP's sun hats.
Have 360-degree protection from the elements! Worry not aboutharmful UVA and UVB rays, wind and dust, and even protect yourself from bugs! Or, for an all-rounder and casual look, choose your style between theWanderer, Navigator, andFloater Series!
• Face Masks.
Stay protected from light winds, and sunburns on your cheeks and neck whenever you’re going fishing, hiking, or even running with a bandana face mask!
If you’re off to the mountains or if you’re looking for a breathable helmet liner, abalaclava ski mask that’s wearable in many ways is here for your skiing or snowboarding needs!
• Resistance Bands.
Also called rehabilitation bands, they aren’t just great for exercises, but they’re also excellent for strength training for specific muscles. These elastic tools are great for working your chest, arms, back, glutes, and more!
• Touch Screen Gloves.
Grab aform-fitting pair oreven reflective ones when you’re off to go running, biking, hiking, or even driving! These gloves are also great as glove liners for skiing or snowboarding. You don’t even have to take off these pairs when using your phone!
• Skull Caps or Running Beanie.
If you’re an avid runner or biker, a breathable yet sweat-wicking skull cap should be part of your repertoire! With a four-season feature, wear these no matter the season - keep warm during the winter and cool in the summer!
• Headband Sweatband.
Always distracted by sweat every time you work out? Well, aheadband sweatband for men and women should be the easy solution! Great as a helmet liner or a sweat-wicking band that you can wear under your hat.
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