While we are all practicing social distancing and self-isolating, it is important to ensure we are staying healthy by taking regular exercise. Exercise is key in contributing to a healthy immune system – it improves mood and wellbeing and reduces stress.
Besides the usual ideas like running and playing hide and seek with the kids – there are plenty more options out there if you look hard enough. You can maintain your workout routine from the comforts of your home with our indoor fitness ideas.
General exercises to try out at home
From stretches to runs, this resource will give you all you need to try out general exercises from home, brought to you by This Girl Can.
Online classes
Many gyms and well-known brands are offering work-out videos and tutorials, and the majority are either offering discounts or providing their services for free for a temporary amount of time.
Peloton – offering free access of its app for up to 90 days. You don’t need a bike or treadmill as there are workout regimes specifically tailored for those without this type of gym equipment.
YouTube – there are hundreds of workout videos on the platform so you can pick what works best for you. Many of these are uploaded daily and span zumba, pilates, yoga and more.
Getting the kids involved
How can we ensure the kids are entertained? With the kids at home, you might be struggling to come up with ideas to keep them engaged. But there are plenty of initiatives out there to support you.
P.E with Joe
Joe Wicks is holding online physical education classes for kids. This is to encourage everyone to stay active and healthy while at home. The classes are free, and parents can join in too! Classes start from 9am on YouTube.
“If this takes just a bit of pressure off parents, makes kids a little fitter and happier and gives them some structure to their day, then I’ve achieved what I set out to do,” – Joe Wicks
Schedule enough play time
According to children’s charity Llamau, child-centred play is vital to their development with just 30 minutes of play time making a huge difference. Through this, children can freely express the thoughts, feeling or worries that might be on their mind. Click here to see a range of suggestions for different types of play.
Spring cleaning
Spring is in the air so why not give some tidying a go? Cleaning can technically count as exercise too – you can burn more energy cleaning than being sedentary. With quite a bit more extra time on our hands, this is a great way to keep our minds occupied – plus cleaning also reduces anxiety and stress.
Yoga
If you haven’t tried it out yet, yoga is a great way of staying healthy, while additionally quieting the mind and its worries. Yoga provides you with strength, flexibility and mind-body awareness. It’s a useful way of relaxing and re-energizing yourself so you can power through the rest of your day. Plus, all you need is a mat and you’re set!