So youre stuck at home and not able to exercise as usual, and thats frustrating.
Look, I get it.
These are unprecedented times.
I can assure you, if you are having a major WTF moment, you are not alone.
This real-life scenario is next level.
And, as a public health Ph.D., I will tell you, yes, itisserious.
However, panic, while understandable and extremely relatable, TBQH (!!!
(Looking at you, TP collectors.)
Check out the tips and ideas for managing ithere.
Only now, we cant go to the gym or to our favorite class.
Granted, a very minor concern in the grand scheme of things.
Hear the clanging of those plates being thrown on the bar?
And my bench press!!
And the tire flips and rope slams and the guy in the corner grunting!
Myyogainstructors Childs Pose massage!!
Truth is, we need movement for our mental and physical health.
It likely didnt take much more than a weekend of social distancing for you to see that.
First things first, your typical day and schedule will be anything but typical.
These are some seriously atypical times.
Take a really deep breath and settle into some peace with that.
Count toward what, you ask?
Toward you staying calm and healthy while also staying home.
Now, we all have different living situations and lifestyles, which means we have varying needs and options.
Here are some ideas for how to move your body when youre stuck at home.
Get outside for a walk, bike, run, skip, whatever.
And read up on how to safely play outside with your kidshere.
Set a recurring alarm to do 10 reps of 10 exercises.
Create something that gets you moving but that doesnt overwhelm you.
Keep it short and sweet.
Any time you take a call, move around for the duration.
I unconsciously do this all the time.
This can be a walk around the block or just around your house.
If youre sheltering in place with young kids, play with them.
They cannot sit still, as Im sure you are aware.
Play with them the way they play.
They get up and down off the ground constantly; let that count as your burpees for the day.
They will give you a great little workout if you actually do as they do.
Have scheduled and impromptu dance parties.
In your kitchen, in the hallway, up the stairs, or wherever.
End your day or celebrate finishing a task or a meeting with a three-minute dance party.
Play your favorite song and just go for it.
Again, if you have kids, get them involved.
Have them teach you a dance!
Give yourself a challenge for the duration of your shelter in place/social distancing.
Chart your progress (either in writing or in video/photo).
Along the same lines, challenge your friends or family members.
See who can do more squats in a minute or more pushups throughout the day.
See who can clock the most steps around the house.
Keep a yoga mat in a part of your space that you walk by a lot.
Just having it stare at you is sometimes enough for you to be called to Down Dog.
Maybe make a rule that every time you get up you do a couple of poses.
Theseposes for tight hipsare great for anyone whos sitting way more than usual right now.
Treat your home like an improvised gym.
I also do lunge stretches or standing Half Pigeon Poses on my bathroom counters while I blow-dry my hair.
Are these all things I do regularly?
Every time I walk through the kitchentricep dips on the counter.
When I walk into my bedroom30-second wall sit.
Shake the cabin fever right out of you.
Stay healthy, stay home, but stay moving, friends!
