4 minute read
Keeping fit during lockdown
Commit to getting fit!
By ETHAN TAYLOR
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It’s 2021 and we are in the
middle of a third national lockdown. With that comes a mix of emotions. Whilst we are seeing COVID-19 vaccinations being rolled out rapidly, resulting in a more positive mood across the country, some may argue that the lockdown is still having an adverse effect on people’s moods and health.
With the government ordering people to stay at home, along with closures of fitness centres, motivation to stay fit during lockdown is low. But there are ways to gain that motivation for fitness back! So here is the Liverpool Life guide to different ways YOU can stay fit during lockdown.
Resistance Bands
With the closure of gyms, many people may have given up on their fitness journey, however you can still reach your goals at home by using a resistance band. Resistance bands are a home gym must-have, providing maximum intensity with minimum equipment. Resistance bands work just as well as free weights, or machine weights that you find in a gym! Research has shown that exercises with resistance bands can grow your muscles and tone them at the same time. Why would you not want to get involved with them?
Resistance bands can be purchased online and even in discount stores in the UK. If purchasing a set of resistance bands online, it will cost you around £25, the equivalent of 2 months of gym membership.
Muscle Board
The muscle board is a relatively new invention in the fitness world and wasn’t really around during the first two lockdowns in the UK, but it is definitely a piece of equipment that can help you maintain fitness whilst at home. The muscle board is a colour-coded push-up board that trains the entire upper body. It has four colour-coded slots that allow you to train either your chest, shoulders, back or arms as well as engaging the rest of your body. One of the best things about this board is that it is lightweight and portable, which means that once lockdown is over, and we are able to travel, you won’t have to worry about finding a gym to keep fit and in shape, just use the board!
The muscle board can be purchased from the official muscle board website for £29.99 and that comes with a free 10-week fitness programme which will be emailed to you upon purchase.
If you want the muscle board on its own, it is available to buy on Amazon from £15.99.
Resistance bands, left and a muscle board, above, are useful pieces of equipment to get fit at home
Running
Exercise outside is limited to once a day, and what better than to use this opportunity than by going on a run? Some people may find running boring and that’s okay, but it is scientifically proven to have major health benefits and can help you stay fit throughout the lockdown. It is proven that running burns a lot of calories which helps with weight loss. Not only can it help you lose weight, but it can also improve cardiovascular fitness. You never know, you might end up really enjoying it and maybe even taking part in marathons and competitions when normal life resumes.
Running shoes are imperative if you decide to take up running this lockdown. They help prevent any injury to the ankles, giving more protection than any other regular trainer would. A good set or running shoes will set you back around £40 or more for an even higher quality shoe.
Cleaning
A lot of people might not know this, but cleaning can be such a good way to keep fit through the lockdown. Although it may sound silly, it is actually proven that most household chores burn similar calories to exercises in the gym as they contain some of the same physical movements. Believe it or not, you can actually get a full-body workout and build muscle just by tidying up your own home!
Get your running shoes on then have a rest
Rest and Sleep
Possibly the most overlooked and important way of keeping fit and healthy is rest. In this difficult time, it is very common to have sleepless nights due to work or University or just the unknown! Getting a good sleep and resting your body are the two most critical elements when it comes to fitness. Something as simple as having a routine can have huge benefits on our mental and physical health by promoting a healthy inner body experience. Planning your days can also be beneficial as it allows you to feel organised, and making you feel at ease.
