No Gym Needed: 5 Home Workouts to try during Lockdown

With gyms and leisure centres being closed as a result of the Coronavirus, it doesn’t mean you have to hit pause on your fitness regime.

Whether you want to keep up with your regular workout routine or just want to use the extra downtime to increase your general fitness levels, we’ve compiled some simple ways you can bring the gym home. So, put on your trainers, find some open space and get going!

Yoga
For those looking for a light workout that also helps to keep the stress and anxiety at bay, yoga is ideal. Simply grab your yoga mat, or lay down a towel and breathe.

There are thousands of online videos and routines that you can follow along with or you can simply embrace your inner yogi and go with the flow (literally). The important thing with yoga is to feel relaxed. So doing some simple stretches can be a great way to make you feel good, both physically and mentally.

Treadmill
The lockdown regulations may be having a big impact on avid runners and those training for long road races. If you don’t want to give up your regular routine, investing in a treadmill can be the ideal solution.

Treadmills also offer beginner or self-conscious runners a way of working out without having to physically get out on the roads. If you don’t feel like investing in a large piece of exercise equipment is for you, there are always other options.

Why not try stair runs to improve your stamina, or doing laps of your garden to get used to the feeling of running on ground. If you still want to get out on the roads, the current restrictions mean we have to be a bit more creative with our workouts. Time trials can be a great way of ticking off the miles without the effort. Work to beat your own personal best or set up your sport watch to compete with your friends.

Online fitness classes
If you’re an exercise novice and want to start your fitness journey, partaking in an online class is a great place to start. During this unprecedented time, many local fitness instructors have taken to hosting virtual classes that you can take part in from the comfort of your own home. Why not tune in to Rushe Fitness at 10am for your morning workout?

From dance fitness to HIIT workouts, YouTube is a hub for fitness videos of varying intensities, so there is always something to suit the type of workout you’re looking for. Many personal trainers and fitness instructors are now even creating content specially aimed at home fitness during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Skipping
Skipping has become an increasingly popular way of working out, as it involves an affordable piece of equipment and can have massive benefits to your health and stamina. Choose between regular and weighted skipping ropes to tailor your workout to your preferred level of intensity.

Besides the obvious health benefits to the cardio exercise that skipping offers, it’s a great way to keep the kids entertained too! Why not challenge them to a skipping contest?

Resistance Training
If you have a set of weights hidden in your garage, now could be the time to get them out! With a set of resistance bands and a dumbbell, it’s very easy to get a gym-worthy workout in your own home.

From toning exercises such as squats, banded walks and bridges to simple body weight exercises like push-ups and crunches, you can create your own plan to stick to, or change things up with varying intensities for a full on workout. If you need an extra hand, our brand ambassador Natasha Kelly has created a video routine for you to try out with resistance bands.

Whether you’re looking to use lockdown to become a serious fitness buff or just want to get in your daily exercise, it’s incredibly important for mental health to keep up a physical exercise regime. A simple 30 minutes a day of exercise and fresh air can be just what you need during this worrying time.