5 Tips for Exercising Safely During a Pandemic

When COVID-19 hit, many of us were forced to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus. Some tried to use their time to focus on their health and maintain a good workout routine, but they soon realized that keeping up with their regular lifestyle is easier said than done during the pandemic—the stress is just too strong. Thankfully, anything is possible with some help and motivation. If you want to go back to exercising and relieving some of that build-up stress yet stay safe, here are a few ways you can practice your fitness lifestyle and not endanger yourself or anyone else: 

Take your workout outside

 Exercising Safely

Your first instinct might be to take your workout outside, and you’d be right. As long as you’re exercising alone or in a small group and practicing social distancing, an open-air workout is an amazing idea. Being outside and getting active is a perfect way to stay fit and safe in the time of the pandemic. 

Create a manageable cardio regimen

cardio

Even though parks have a lot of equipment suitable for straight workouts, most people usually consider running as their first outdoor workout option. If you want to stay active, you don’t have to run though—you can take up cycling, hiking and walking. These will get you moving and burning calories while also providing your brain with fresh air and your skin with some sun. If you’re new to cardio, try setting some easy-to-reach goals and dividing your sessions into shorter intervals. 

Go digital

digital

You might be itching to leave the house, but due to bad weather and lack of time, this might not always be possible. Instead of wasting away on Instagram, you can use your phone for much better things like fitness apps. Various apps give you fun indoor workouts with or without equipment you can finish in 20-30 minutes. These apps also track your calories (approximately) and even allow you to input your diet and various other parameters. If you’re a gamer, you’ll love reaching new achievements and beating high scores. Runners and cyclists will also enjoy the practical Humango sports training app that allows amateurs and professionals to track their progress. When you have an app to show you all the data, you will know exactly when to push harder to reach your goals. 

Try video classes

online class

If you’re determined to go digital, you can play various video training sessions or take virtual live classes with a trainer and other attendees. People stuck at home can recreate the feeling of the gym and stay active, interact with people and get fit while being social yet safe. And having real people work out with you might motivate you to stay consistent and do the work even when you feel like binging a Netflix show instead. 

Practice gym safety

 Exercising Safely During a Pandemic

In case the gyms in your area are slowly reopening, you might be considering going back to your regular workout sessions. However, you must follow strict rules to have safe workouts at gyms during the pandemic. If you’re planning to hit the gym as soon as you can, here are some tips on how to do that safely for you and all other people who came to exercise: 

  • Wear a mask: It might be a little complicated to wear a mask while exercising, but if you’re going to stay safe, it’s worth it. If you focus on the fact that 25-50% of individuals with COVID-19 have the virus without even being aware of the fact, it will motivate you to cover up. 
  • Avoid peak hours: Early morning, late morning and late evening are three time periods with the least gym activity, so try to create a schedule that will get you to the gym exactly then to avoid crowds. This plan will not only reduce the health risks of exercising at the gym but also give you more free machines, weights and elbow space. 
  • Clean after yourself: Wiping down the equipment has always been a thing, but right now, you should be extra careful. Clean the machine before and after using it. This is not only common gym etiquette, but a health concern at this point, so stock up on wet wipes and towels. 
  • Choose solo workouts: even if class coaches stick to social distancing rules, it’s better to stay away from in-person fitness classes for now. These classes are usually held in smaller rooms with bad ventilation where you’ll be surrounded by heavy-breathing people. 

Anxious to get back into shape? Don’t let the pandemic stop you from experiencing safe, effective and fulfilling workouts. With these tips above, you’ll improve your physical health, relieve stress and boost your mood, while keeping the spread of the virus at bay. 


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