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Gyms, Yoga and Pilates studios are closed again in the UK. The second lockdown makes exercise even more challenging when it’s cold, wet and dark outside. Working out may not feel like a priority in the midst of a pandemic and the chaos of working, schooling and doing pretty much everything under one roof. Just getting by can feel like enough. But it is one thing that can really help get you through.
If you can convert to home exercise there are so many benefits to your mental, physical and spiritual health. It’s normal at the moment to feel a bit helpless when there is so much uncertainty and little we can control. Establishing an at-home exercise routine gives you back a sense of control and calm.
Make it easy not perfect
If you feel like you’re dragging yourself to another Zoom workout it’s not surprising you’re lacking energy. Stressful times sap our resources and exercise can place extra stress on the body. Instead of trying to impose your pre-covid routine into a very different context try changing up how you exercise instead.
I’m a huge advocate for short daily home workouts since I becoming a both a mum and a single-parent. If you can’t make it to your usual weekly yoga class try a short daily practice instead. Do not underestimate what you can achieve in just 10, 15 or 20 minutes a day. The secret here is consistency and making it achievable.
Home workouts can be just as effective
It’s easy to feel like there’s no point when you’re used to your usual way of working out. But if you are flexbile in your approach and willing to try something new then you can get a really good workout from home. Investing in small equipment such as kettlebells, resistance bands, pilates balls and dumbells, or in a monthly subscription website or app can make your workout far more interesting. Lockdown has made it possible to access classes and instructors we may have only ever read about and many offer free trials before you commit.
If you’re used to using cardio equipment or going to classes there are still lots of ways to raise your heart rate that don’t take up much space or budget. Skipping will leave you in a sweaty mess after just a few minutes. Rebounders (mini-trampolines) are an amazing way to get endorphins whilst detoxing your body. They stimulate the lymphatic system which improves immune function. There are many claims that it helps recovery for cancer patients. HIIT workouts are often just based on body weight exercises. But one of the best things you can do to feel good and move your body is to just turn up the music and dance!
You do have time
You’ve dropped the daily commute and the small talk with colleagues yet it still feels like you haven’t got time to workout. But it is time to let go of the all-or-nothing mindset and try shorter workouts instead. Doing a 10-20 min workout is far more appealing than guilting yourself into doing a longer workout. Who needs that pressure right now! You can fit it in on a daily basis and reap the benefits of getting into a higher vibration from your workout. Plus if you have littles at home they can generally hang on in there for 20 mins if you can get used to sharing your yoga mat with a few toys.
Change your intention
If you’re used to thinking about exercise as something you need to do to lose weight and tone up, or your work out has to make you feel exhausted for it to be worth doing, it’s time to change your intention. It wasn’t until I had Zahra that I discovered the joy of just moving my body. I let go of attaching exercise to specific outcomes and just enjoyed the feeling of connecting to my body. Movement has a powerful ability to shift our energy into a more positive state. Let go of the expectation to change your body and instead see it as making you the priority.
Need help prioritising your home exercise routine? Check out the 5-day Healthy Habit Challenge:
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