WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME EXERCISE MOJO BACK
With another lockdown and increasingly grim weather, it’s hard to muster up the motivation to workout. However, it’s more important than ever to keep our bodies and minds fit and healthy throughout the latest set of Covid restrictions.
If you’re ready to fall back in love with exercise, these tips will help jump-start your journey…
Plan, plan, plan
It might not be the sexiest piece of advice, but planning your workouts will help you actually do them. “Just as you will be booking in meetings for work, book in your workouts,” says Rachael Penrose, trainer at F45.
For Katie Anderson, head of training at FLY LDN, this comes hand in hand with putting goals in place. “Set yourself an intention to either go for a brisk 30-minute walk per day, or set yourself a distance,” she says. “A 5k walk would take you around 50 minutes to walk, but you will feel the world of good from doing it. Don’t have the time? Schedule a work call as you are out walking, pop your headphones in and walk and talk.” Charlie Dean, health adviser for Bupa Health Clinics, thinks success hinges on flexibility. “If you’re struggling to maintain a routine, try setting more flexible goals,” he says. “For example, set yourself a target of running five miles a week, rather than dedicating specific days.”
Join a community
If you’re missing the camaraderie of group classes, why not try a virtual version? Joining a new online community – such as FLY LDN Online, Fiit, Frame Online or 1Rebel TV – will help kickstart your workout.
“Feeling a part of a community and moving with others can help with motivation levels,” explains Anderson. Plenty of these online portals have live classes, so you can set yourself a specific time to log on and exercise – similar to booking a class at the gym, except you don’t have to leave the house.
Be kind to yourself
Exercise is so much more than just physical. If you’re feeling demotivated, it might be a good idea to pay attention to your mental health and cut yourself some slack.
“It is ok to feel anxious, on edge or uneasy during these times,” says Naomi. “Recognise this and try to connect to the present moment. This can be through journaling, yoga, or breathwork.”
Dean agrees, saying: “While any exercise routine will take dedication to maintain, it’s important to remember that it’s ok to miss a day occasionally. Exercise is about feeling good, so do what’s right for you. Especially during this lockdown, there’ll be days when the weather is too bad – or you simply don’t feel like getting out to exercise. This is normal and there’s no need to beat yourself up.”