As the cold starts to bite it can be difficult to stay active, especially as our instincts may be sending us into hibernation. But whatever the weather exercise is still an important part of a healthy lifestyle, we just have to be a bit more creative about how to motivate ourselves to achieve this potentially enjoyable staple.
Do you know how much exercise we really need? Half an hour 5 times a week or 2.5 hours in total of specific exercise are ideal, but what are the lockdown options:
If you prefer the great outdoors then once wrapped up you can enjoy; fresh air, changing vistas, the opportunity for intense competition or quiet contemplation and the relaxing benefits of being in nature. Do try to get out for your hour during daylight though and on the darkest of days when getting out the door is at its most challenging it helps to develop a virtual support network or to become a dog owner/walker as this will help keep you motivated.
Home gyms can be a great option especially if you don’t have to go out in the rain to get there and once warmed up you can; walk, run or cycle unimpeded by the elements. But if this is not for you then why not try an interactive online exercise class, as long as you can get yourself started you will most likely stay for the full hour.
Or you could consider; Dance, Tai Chi or even Hula Hooping, but proceed with caution on this one, there are however lots of other options that may be more your cup of tea so don’t use covid as an excuse to binge watch Netflix, switch over to YouTube and search up exercise.
If you cannot contemplate any sort of conventional exercise then why not dust off your family games console and find out for yourself that active and fun are possible when competing with your loved ones and if all else fails sign up to take part in a sponsored virtual challenge so you feel more obligated to stick to your training regime.
Whatever our limitations though we can usually find a suitable option, it may of course be best to get some advice on this front, especially if you are new to exercise or gearing back up after a lull or injury but don’t despair there is something out there that’s right for you.
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