The coronavirus pandemic may have us stuck at home without gym access, but that’s no excuse for skipping workouts and giving up on dreams of a toned summer body. But where should you start with your new workout regime?
Whether you’re new to training at home or have a solid background in weight training we’ve got great free resources to guide you on your fitness journey. So, get up off the couch and try one of these home workout programs to keep the dreaded #quarantine15 away.
[Photo Credit: iStock.com/deagreez]
If you’ve ever wondered what the Barry’s Bootcamp buzz is all about, you can now find free virtual classes on Barry’s Instagram page. For the uninitiated, HIIT involves shorts bursts of intense activity known for major calorie-and-fat burning power and Barry’s IGTV channel is home to dozens of 20-minute total-body workout videos, most requiring little or no equipment. New videos added daily.
Aside from a great way to stretch and tone the body, yoga is also an ideal way to calm frazzled nerves and counteract the body’s stress response. Sounds kind of perfect in these strange times, right? Get your stretchy pants on and visit the Lululemon website for an expansive library of beautifully shot yoga videos for every fitness level or their Instagram page for daily livestream workouts.
All you need to get started is a pair of sneakers, but Google ‘how to start running’ and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the volume of advice on how to prep for your first marathon. Instead, visit this informative running guide from the New York Times that offers a simple formula for healthy running: train three times per week with a gentle mix of walking and running. If you can tie your laces, you’re ready to go!
Running’s not your jam? There’s no shame in walking for your health. Fitness expert Lucy Wyndham-Read offers a robust series of indoor walking workout videos on her YouTube channel that are a low-impact alternative to burn calories, improve your cardio and muscle tone without leaving the house.
You don’t have to be a ballet dancer to work out like one. A blend of dance moves and exercises borrowed from Pilates and yoga, barre workouts are a great blend of cardio and strength training that also improve posture and flexibility. And who wouldn’t want the long, toned limbs of a ballerina? Get started with a virtual visit to Barreworks, one of Toronto’s best known workout studios, with a free 7-day trial of their online platform featuring live and on-demand barre classes.
With extra time on your hands, there’s no excuse for not moving your body for at least a few minutes each day. Create a healthy new habit: schedule time for fitness, crank up your favourite playlist and get active!
