Working Out during a Pandemic
For the last few months, the world has been unlike it has ever been before. In this time, people are being forced to stay at home, physically distance, and limit close contact with others. This means that gyms are closed and more people are trying to figure out how and where to maintain some sort of physical workout routine. Many are also trying to use this time to get into shape like never before. This is amazing! People are taking note of their health and looking for ways to improve it.
During the pandemic, the most common question I have received is “What can I be doing to workout during this time?” First and foremost, the answer begins with “Get started” No matter what it is you are doing, start. Doing something, anything, active and moderately challenging is the first goal. Many people have this desire to get fit but they get so caught up in not knowing what to do, trying to make a plan, and get lost, confused, and thus don’t even start. The number one key, get started.
Once started, what’s next? It’s all about making the most of what you have. Do you have a dumbbell or weights laying around? Great! If not, no worries. What about, a weight vest, suspension trainer? Same thing, there are many ways to work around all of this. There are many great exercises you can do just with body-weight and no equipment. These include squats, lunges, RDLs, Step-Ups, Push-Ups, Dips, Plank Variations, and many more. The point is to not let equipment or lack thereof to be a barrier to working out.
Next step, add some variation. Don’t do the same thing every day. Work to mix it up. Doing this will keep workouts exciting and feel unique each time you workout. This battles monotony and helps make working out something that you enjoy. Make this time fun. Use what you have, make things if you have to and work hard! One way to add resistance to exercises is to put books, water bottles, anything heavy into a backpack or reusable shopping bag. To see lots of examples of workouts you can do with no or minimal equipment, check out my Instagram @griz_performance.
Working out during this pandemic doesn’t have to be very difficult or challenging. It begins with just getting started. Get moving. Get started on that goal of losing weight, getting more fit, or lifting more. After starting that routine, add some variety, stay consistent, and slowly increase resistance. As people are sitting at home more and more these days, exercise is as important as ever. Work with what you have around you and challenge yourself.
-Tyler Grisdale, MS, CSCS, RSCC, CES, TPI
(if you have any questions about how to workout during this pandemic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via DM @griz_performance)