So, the Coronavirus has caused a pandemic. You've been forced to take time off from work, and you can't go outside. Though we may be forced to spend time indoors, we must keep our bodies in shape. Exercise is critical if we want to boost our immunity and maintain a reasonably good mood.
In this article, I will provide all of the details and tips you need to keep healthy and fit during this time of crisis.
The Best Exercise for Avoiding Crowds, Managing Stress, and Boosting Immunity
The best possible exercise you can do during this time is running. You’ve probably already heard that running is the best way to maintain a healthy immune system and to reduce stress levels.
Running could also be a suitable method for avoiding crowds. Running outdoors is one way you could get some cardio without exposing yourself to the risks that might come from going to fitness centers with lots of people.
As it stands now, it is believed that COVID-19 spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
For that reason, you might want to avoid going outdoors altogether. So how to get your cardio exercise on while stuck indoors?
Here are some possible recommendations:
Invest in the Best Equipment for Indoor Cardio Exercise at Home
As running is considered one of the best exercises, a running treadmill is one of the best kinds of equipment you can have. Check my list for recommendations of some of the best treadmills you can use at home.
But you don’t have to have a treadmill to do cardio indoors, there are lots of different options. You could try exercising on an elliptical, with a rowing machine, on a stair stepper, or an exercise bike. All of these options can help you burn a few calories and boost your immunity:
If these are options take up too much space, or if they're too expensive, you might also consider apartment-friendly compact cardio exercise equipment. You can review my list of the best apartment gym equipment.
Enjoy At-Home Workout Streaming Services
Some people don't feel like working out unless they are in a group of people. Doing live streaming services is the next best thing to attending a fitness class, and there are quite a few options out there, depending on what you're looking for:
If You Need to Relax:
Sky Ting
This New York-based yoga studio offers meditation and yoga classes 24/7. You can enjoy their full-length yoga restorative classes and guided meditations on your phone, tablet, or computer anytime you like. There’s a little something there to match your every mood. This service starts with a seven-day trial and is $20 a month after.
The Class by Taryn Tooney
This class will help you relieve stress through jumping, body-weight exercises, and breathing exercises, set to music. You don't have to have any equipment to participate, but you might need an open mind. You can watch the classes on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. The classes are offered with a 14-day free trial, and it is $40 a month after.
If You Need to do Cardio (And You Do):
Aaptiv
These are audio-guided workouts, and they don't require much more than a pair of earbuds to enjoy them. Each week, Aaptive adds 30 more "classes," including strength-training workouts and outdoor running exercises. There is also a smartphone app for workouts that can be completed on a bike, treadmill, or an elliptical if you own the equipment. After a 7-day trial, this service is $15 a month.
DanceBody
This aerobics class is a fast-paced dance workout. These choreographed dances will increase your heart rate and boost your mood. They release new exercises every day, so you'll never run out of enjoyable content. Stream workouts to your phone, tablet, SmartTV, or computer. It starts with a 7-day free trial and after that is $34.99 a month.
Barre
Barre3
A Barre3 workout provides cardio, strength-training, and mindfulness training that will keep you energized throughout the day. Barre routines don’t require a lot of space or equipment, and all of their recommended workouts are low-impact. This means you can confidently do these exercises without bothering your downstairs neighbors. Stream the online workouts to your phone, tablet, or computer. This service starts with a free 15-day trial, and after that is $29 a month.
The Bar Method Online
This barre service provides classes from instructors around the country, and they're suitable for people at any fitness level. You don't need to be particularly flexible to participate in these exercises, created to improve stamina and full-body strength. You can use pillows, weights, or even a chair to maintain your balance. You can stream these workouts to your phone, tablet, or computer. This service provides a free trial for 14-days and is $19 a month after.
Strength Building
Sweat with Kayla
With highly Instagramable workout routines, Kayla Itsines built a multi-million dollar fitness empire. These kinds of workouts can help you build muscle without buying any equipment. Kayla's app has plenty of easy-to-follow resistance workouts, and they only take 28-minutes on average to complete. This service starts with a seven-day trial, and after that is $19.99 a month.
Centr Fit
Using Chris Hemsworth’s workout app, (available to stream on iOS, Apple watch, and on the internet), you can work out like Thor. You can try boxing, strength-training workouts, high-intensity interval training. Also included are meal plans with vegetarian and vegan options that may get your mind off of the stress of the current pandemic. This service is free for seven days, and it costs $10 a month after that.
If You’re Looking for Excitement
Obe Fitness
Obe is a website and fitness app hosting more than 4,000 different cardio, stretch, and strength-building classes from several top trainers. If you want structured programs over the next couple of weeks, this is a great place to begin. If you've got a kid with you who are home from school, this service also offers quick, kid-friendly classes to enjoy Kidz Bop music. This service provides a free trial and is $27 a month after that.
Daily Burn
If you're still looking for the social aspect of attending workout classes, this service might be for you. Daily Burn has an engaged online community that can help motivate you while you're in quarantine. On top of thousands of group workout recordings, including postnatal classes and Pilates, they also have virtual one-on-one training through their smartphone app. Stream the courses on your phone, tablet, SmartTV, or computer. This service is free for the first 30 days, then $14.95 a month after.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, there are plenty of excellent options when it comes to getting fit and avoiding exposure to the Coronavirus. I hope this list helps you stay heathly as we weather the storm!
