Keeping fit: a guide to exercise and wellbeing indoors
The coronavirus crisis has affected everyone – this shouldn’t discourage you from working out, but in the words of Jess Glynne, “don’t be too hard on yourself”. It‘s ok if your body changes because your routine has, but it is also still possible to look after your physical wellbeing from the comfort of your own home.
These are the five steps that will make this journey easier for you. We'll number them so you can see the bigger picture and then dive deeper into each one:
- Create a steady sleep pattern, ideally try to sleep and wake up the same hour every day
Having a steady sleep pattern will tune your circadian rhythm between deep sleep, light sleep and REM (rapid eye movement). Start practising it and you'll find it easier waking up, never pressing the snooze button again. Experiencing the feeling of waking up after a good night's sleep is addictive!
- Hydrate first thing in the morning and throughout the day
Our bodies are dehydrated after sleep, so do them a favour and before you say "but first coffee", drink a big glass of water. You'll suddenly feel awake! Unless you were on a Netflix marathon last night. We’re coffee addicts too, so trust us on this one and give it a try.
- Find the best hour and type of workout for you. A training session early in the morning will boost your energy levels and make you feel ready to seize the day
As fitness lovers, we grab every opportunity for an enjoyable HIIT. However, most people are peaking during the early hours of the day. If you’re not an early bird though, avoid working out before you sleep as it will disturb your sleep cycle.
If you’re feeling lost because you’re not up to speed with workout programs, worry not – A.I. is on your side. There are many fitness apps that will do the job. Here our top picks:
- Freeletics (better overall for all abilities, no equipment needed, multiple training journeys combining bodyweight and running exercises)
- Tone & Sculpt (challenging home workouts with or without equipment)
- Beachbody On Demand (multiple programs to choose from, daily calendars and eating plans)
- GOWOD (mobility routines to improve posture and exercise technique)
- Add your "exercise time" to your diary as the number one reference point
Before you go to bed write down your to-do list for the next day. This will save time, keep you on track and guide you to the path of 'doers'. Setting your workout as the reference point for your daily routine will ease the structure of your day.
- Discover the majestic world of meal prepping
Apart from working out, you need fuel for your body. Here comes meal prepping! An easy-peasy approach to it is to start with one recipe that you really like. The generic formula is 1 recipe/4 servings = 2 days of food. Experiment a bit with it, and when you see the benefits of it, you'll never go back to food delivery again. Our favourite sous-chefs have recipes for all tastes:
- MOB Kitchen (student budget minded, plus easy and delicious)
- Budget Bytes (budget friendly recipes, tips to organise your pantry during this period)
- Yummly (personalised recipes based on your taste and/or the ingredients you have available)
The goal of all these is not to have a peach booty or a cheese grater six-pack. It's about your wellbeing and mental development. Connect with your ‘why’, and everything will follow. We believe in you – do you?
