Don’t let isolation stop you exercising together
Missing the social aspects of the gym? Exercise in collaboration, says fitness expert Ruth Lynch
IT’S not just the endorphins that gym-goers are missing right now – the social side of exercise, the group classes and sense of community can’t be underestimated.
While we’re living through extremely strange circumstances that make socialising more difficult, with a bit of creativity you can bring exercise, fun and collaboration back together. GET ACTIVE WITH THE FAMILY
IN the normal run of life, we’re very often passing ships in our own homes. If there’s one positive to come out of self-isolation – building closer bonds with family could be it. How long have you been trying to reconnect with that teenager!?
Schedule sessions: Get active, hold each other to account and use this time to encourage everybody in the home to form positive new routines. Exercising together is much more fun and it could be a great way to break down the barriers of normal life.
Make it fun: A rummage in the attic or that precariously over-filled cupboard will likely unearth some old racquets, bats, balls and equipment that could make exercise much more fun. Missing out on the gym specifically? Have a competition with the family to see who can find the strangest weight to lift. Embedding fun will definitely make exercise feel sociable.
Digital retox: if you don’t have equipment at home, or perhaps digital is more your thing, give that old Nintendo Wii a new lease of life. Games such as tennis, bowling and even ski jumping are fun, interactive and offer a fantastic way to bring some competition to light exercise at home with the family. LOG ON FOR SOCIABLE EXERCISE
AT this time when we crave personal contact more than ever, why not exercise with the online community? Whether this is something you do to break the monotony, as a way to catch up with friends, or to feel more human – online fitness has never offered up more opportunities.
Live virtual classes – yoga, pilates, Zumba, Salsa instructors and personal trainers everywhere are holding online group classes – and not just the famous ones.
Why not weave sessions into your routine? And why not sign up with friends so you can be sure there’s another friendly face?
Keep your pastimes alive: Many of us make friends over hobbies, so why not stay in touch by setting up a weekly video meet or a friendly competition – perhaps the first to complete a virtual cycle, rowing or running challenge. Think of this as the exercise equivalent of the virtual
pub quiz.
Complete a video workout:
Often you just don’t know when time will free up – so keep the flexibility by watching online exercise videos and completing sessions in your own time.
Ruth Lynch is head of Health, Fitness and Communities at Life Leisure sports trust