Exercise and Covid-19… How it has all changed

Below we have put together a list of 5 alternative activities to keep fit and healthy during lockdown now that gyms and all sporting activities have seized to a holt. For most activities, there are still no dates in place so if you haven’t started already its never too late!
If you are not careful during this period it can be very easy to pile on the pounds, feel low and let this excuse to be lazy get the better of you.
Instead of just watching the days go by and waiting for sport to resume and gyms to re-open it is time to find something new and fun to keep yourself fit and healthy during the lockdown.

Outdoor Running – Yes, we all know that running is certainly not a new thing however at this moment in time setting yourself a goal of 5/10/25 km and training daily to reach a certain distance or time is personally rewarding, both mentally and physically.

Home Workouts – Whack the music on and get sweaty – Basic gym equipment can be found around the house and is found very cheap on the good old internet. With just a couple of dumbbells coupled up with a resistance band and bodyweight exercises, you have yourself a budget home gym. If you are struggling for routines, there are numerous exercise plans online for free or contact a local Personal Trainer or exercise enthusiast for some tips.

Cycling / Mountain Biking – For me, this has been a key point. Throwback to simple times pre lockdown I was a “Gym Junkie”. I attended the gym 5/6 days a week and when it closed it felt like my world ended. I tried home workouts but did not enjoy them one bit. I decided to take up cycling and 2 weeks later I brought a mountain bike and got introduced to the world of Strava (Would highly recommend) however there are other great apps out there.

DIY/Garden Work/Manual Labour – With the majority of the UK on the Government Furlough scheme and with all this time off work, it is the perfect opportunity to get on top of all of the DIY jobs which you would normally not get round to doing. Getting outside and gardening, digging, building, painting, patching up walls, cutting back trees, working on your car, cleaning your car. Remember, all of these are physical activities that will burn calories and put your mind at rest giving you a feel-good factor!

Brain training – Keeping your mind active by reading, solving puzzles, listening to music, writing poetry, walking in the countryside, watching the sunrise, and sunset is all things that keep a positive mindset and stop yourself from getting stressed and agitated during this time. Looking after your mental health is just as, if not more important than looking after your physical health.