Lockdown fitness…here to stay?

How many of you have started working out ‘virtually’ over lockdown?

‘Exercise can be a gateway to being able to do the things you love for longer ’.

Having jumped on this trend too, I have to admit I love the accessibility and ease of the virtual environment. There is no travel time, I can work with people who live all over the world and, despite it being virtual, it still provides a sense of connection and community. And I say this as both a provider and a consumer. As lockdown eases, I hope we hold on to the cherished ‘one hour of exercise a day’ that has kept so many of us sane. Can we live life in a slower lane, prioritising our health and wellbeing and still return to some sort of normality? If time is our most precious commodity, then sticking to your virtual workouts might be a win-win. If you’ve put in the hard work to build a habit over the past three months, don’t stop now and let it go to waste. Here are my three top tips for sticking to your plan as lockdown eases: 1. Block out one hour a day for exercise and make it a priority in your mind. Struggling to justify this? Remember how vital it has been to your wellbeing the past three months. 2. Mix it up. Keep routine by continuing with virtual workouts, but enjoy the freedom and exercise ‘in real life’ too.

3. Make a commitment and sign up in advance or buy a block of classes. You’re far more likely to attend the classes if you’ve already paid. There is really no need to get ‘back to normal’; if normal meant tired, stressed and frantic. Before you dive back in, think about what habits you want to retain from lockdown. I’d highly recommend making daily exercise one of them.

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST AND ATHLETE By Kim Murray