April 2, 2020
By Angela Ellis
Staff Writer
Are you afraid of losing your fitness, strength and athleticism during the virtual schooling period when all sports have been canceled or postponed? With plenty of ways to exercise outdoors or at home, there is no need to stress.
Walking, running and biking outdoors can be very helpful during this difficult time when there is so much anxiety about the coronavirus. All of these forms of exercise comply with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines stating that people should stay at least six feet apart from each other. Furthermore, fresh air has been proven to have positive effects on both mental and physical health, according to the website SheKnows.com. These outdoor activities also improve cardiovascular health, reduce body fat and boost muscle power according to the wellness website Better Health Channel.
If you aren’t comfortable leaving your home or are not allowed to do so because of the dangers of COVID-19, you can exercise inside your house or apartment and in your yard. When you exercise in your yard or in any open space, you can play with your pet or work on drills relating to your spring sport to improve your technique.
There are plenty of ways to make use of materials within your home. For starters, you can lift weights to increase your muscle strength. If you don’t have weights, filled water bottles or a stack of books will do. TheraBands are useful as well. Just put them under your feet and pull up and down to get an arm workout.
Additionally, you can utilize free workout apps including Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer, Nike Training Club and Workout for Women.
Yoga and workout videos on YouTube are another great way to stay in shape at home. I especially like MadFit’s “15 Min at Home Leg/Butt/Thigh Workout,” POPSUGAR Fitness’ “15-Minute Beginner’s At-Home Cardio Workout” and Pamela Reif’s “15 Min Full Body HIIT Workout.”
You can even take virtual fitness and yoga classes that suit your individual needs and abilities. The Inline Skating Club of America in North Arlington, N.J. is offering free Zumba classes on Facebook Live, and Lyndhurst-based BecomeOneWholeness is offering paid online yoga classes.
For starters, you can lift weights to increase your muscle strength. If you don’t have weights, filled water bottles or a stack of books will do.
Staying physically fit is crucial, but it is also important to consider your eating habits, especially since you are likely to be less active when you are at home compared to when you are at school. So, when you are contemplating what to eat for lunch, remember that you have access to a kitchen and do not have to rush to eat your meal. Therefore, you can make healthier eating choices that leave you feeling empowered and energized. And, of course, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Ringing in the new season without your spring sport can be hard, but following these workout and health suggestions will allow you to jump right back into your normal athletic routine without missing a beat.
