Happy March 25th! Why is today so special? Welllll it’s my birthday :). Although we are currently on lockdown due to the virus, Sabir and I are trying to make the most of our days by staying productive. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these crazy times. My love goes out to all of the families who are impacted by COVID-19.
Now that all of the gyms are closed (at least in my area), the only option we really have is to work out at home. Working out at home can be one of the hardest things to do, especially if you’re used to going to studio classes or the gym. My greatest challenge is finding the motivation to push myself.
It can be easy to neglect your fitness goals when you’re forced to stay home all day. Here are a few tips that have immensely helped me during these times:
- Get the right equipment
- Create a schedule and stick to it
- Utilize YouTube / Fitness Apps
- Go outside
- Intermittent Fasting
Get the right equipment
Create a schedule
It is extremely hard for me to motivate myself to work out at home if I do NOT have a schedule! Creating a schedule and sticking to it will put you in the mindset of “ok, this needs to get done now. Not in an hour, not after I do the dishes, but now.” I prefer to work out first thing in the morning so that’s exactly what I do. If you prefer to workout at night, then maybe make it a goal to workout before you eat dinner.
youtube / fitness apps
YouTube Channels
Youtube is my favorite place to find good workouts. In particular, I LOVE Chloe Ting‘s workouts. She provides free workout plans that ACTUALLY work. If I stick to the schedule everyday, then I actually notice changes in my body. Especially my abs.
I’m currently doing her “5 Weeks Booty Challenge” in addition to using resistance bands and WOW, does it burn like hell.
You can find her free workout programs here: https://www.chloeting.com/program/
Peloton App
A recent discovery of mine is the Peloton App. Not many people know this, but the app is’t only for spinning! There is yoga, stretching, strength, cardio and much more! The first month is free, and after that it is ~$12.
What I love: This app is great for cardio. I hate running but the instructors give me the motivation I need to actually work hard. I personally love the power walking / running audio classes and find that my heart rate is out the roof when taking these classes.
I’ve done a few upper body / core strength classes and really like them as well. A lot of the upper body classes suggest having light/medium/heavy weights so just keep that in mind.
go outside
On those days where you feel like doing absolutely nothing, just go outside! The goal is to stay active. Not every workout needs to be an intense HIIT class or strength training. My mood changes instantly once I get out in the sun and take a few laps around the neighborhood with Ghost!
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is one of the best things that I have ever tried. It’s not for everyone, but if you are able to incorporate it with your lifestyle, DEFINITELY give it a shot. I try to practice the 16/8 method (fast for 16 hours, eat during an 8 hour window). I’ve included a link below for more information on what intermittent fasting is and the benefits you gain in the long run!
Since I now have to work from home a lot more often, it is very easy to walk over to the kitchen and snack on whatever I want, when I want. Intermittent fasting helps me stay in line so that I don’t eat out of boredom.
Check out this guide to learn more about intermittent fasting: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-guide