Keeping Fit in the Age of Corona – Home Workouts Can Be Just as Effective

As of this writing we are in the midst of the Corona quarantine, and hopefully by the time many of you are reading this it’s a thing of the past. It’s the end of March 2020, and much of the world is at home, as businesses have closed their doors for safety reasons.

The hope is that with everyone staying home, the virus will not spread as rapidly, will be contained, and new cases will curtail over time. Meanwhile scientists all over the world are scrambling to create a vaccine…although best case scenario it will be at least a year before it would even be available to the general public.

Gyms and health clubs are of course closed as well, as would be expected, so people are looking for ways to stay in shape during the quarantine, which could be weeks or even months, they are still not sure how long it will last.

For those of us who have ellipticals, treadmills, exercise bikes or rowing machines at home, it’s been an easier transition. We may have had to take all of the piled clothes off the machines or pulled them out of the closet, but we have them and we can use them. For those who don’t have any equipment at home, it’s been tough. Many have scrambled to order elliptical trainers and other equipment from Amazon and other retailers, although unfortunately due to the current climate there are delays in shipment.

Regardless of whether you have a home gym or not, here are some tips to help you stay in shape during the Corona Virus COVID-19 quarantine.

Staying in Shape During Corona Quarantine

If you have an elliptical, treadmill or other cardio machine…..

1. Now is a good time to take advantage of all of the functionality that your elliptical or other machines offer. Assuming you bought the machine in the last few years, there are probably a number of features that you weren’t even aware of or haven’t used before. On top of the adjustable strides and resistance levels, there are typically a number of built in workout programs. If you’re used to just using the elliptical manually, try out one of the workout programs to change things up a bit. You can target your upper and lower body, hit muscles differently and ramp up the cardio effect. This is a great way to improve the effectiveness of your workouts.

2. There are a lot of fitness apps and programs that you can tap into as well. Of course you have iFit on NordicTrack and ProForm ellipticals, the new Bowflex JRNY on the Max Trainer and other Bowflex equipment, but even if your elliptical doesn’t have its own fitness membership program, you can still take advantage of on demand workouts, in studio training, tracking and sharing, and all sorts of helpful motivational tools. Some of these programs, like Beach Body, are available for free during the Corona quarantine. You can try them out to see if you like them, and perhaps join up if it’s something that really works for you.

3. Another free option for you is YouTube. Along with music videos and pets doing silly things, there is a huge library of personal trainer workouts. Some you can do while on the elliptical, like dumbbell curls and presses, but there are also workouts you can do off the machine. Even if you are pressed for time, you can still get a full body workout in under 20 minutes, even 10 in some cases. It may not be the routine that you’re used to at the gym, and you may not have free weights to use, but there are still ways to get an incredible workout with zero equipment. And you might learn some new exercises that really work well for you that you can continue to do on your own.

If you DON’T have an elliptical, treadmill or other cardio machine…..

1. If you don’t currently own an elliptical or other cardio machine, don’t panic. You can still get a great workout in. The advice in #2 and #3 can work for you as well, so give those a read. You can tap into all sorts of great fitness apps on your computer, lap top or phone, or jump on YouTube and get great workouts for every single muscle group. There are cardio programs, there’s stretching, there’s yoga, there’s muscle building…whatever your fitness goals are you’ll be able to find something that works for you.

2. Go outside if you can. Although they’re still not sure exactly how Corona spreads as of this writing, if you’re able to get outside and maintain social distancing, go for a walk for 10 or 15 minutes. Do a jog or a run, do some jumping jacks, squats, lunges, etc. If you can’t get outside, or it’s unsafe to do so, you can do many of these things indoors as well. Walk or jog in place, do some pushups, pullups, situps. Just 30-45 minutes of exercise a day will not only keep you in shape but also improve your mood, which is key during times of extreme stress.

3. Buy an elliptical now. Now is the perfect time to buy a new elliptical machine or treadmill for your home. There are still great elliptical sales going on, and you may be able to have it delivered sooner than later. It may cost a bit more, but it’s worth it as you’ll be able to workout and we don’t know how long the Corona home quarantine will last. Also check with your local stores like Dick’s and Walmart. They might be able to deliver quickly or you may even be able to pick up your new machine that day curbside if that’s still an option. Check Amazon as well to see how long it will take for the elliptical trainer to be delivered to your home.

Working out During the Corona Quarantine – Bottom Line

Unfortunately we don’t know how long we’ll be forced to be home quarantined, but that doesn’t mean we should forego our normal routines altogether. It’s important to keep working out for our physical as well as mental fitness, and since we’re all at home there’s no reason why you can’t set aside a half hour or more for a workout. Even if it has to be after the kids are sleeping, it’s very important that you get that workout in every day if possible.

If you do have an elliptical, treadmill, or other cardio machine…get that manual out and learn about all of the capability that it offers. You may be surprised with what you discover, and it may just change the way you workout. Look into free fitness programs and apps that will help keep you motivated during these difficult times.

If you don’t have an elliptical or treadmill, get your tablet or phone out and check out all of the fitness apps and programs and find one that appeals to you. Go on YouTube and look for great free workouts…some of which are as quick as 10 minutes. If you’re interested in buying an elliptical, check out Dick’s, Walmart, Amazon and other retailers and see if they can get it to you sooner than later.

We wish all of you great health. Stay safe and be smart…and don’t forget how important fitness is now more than ever.