Whether it’s heading out for a morning jog or taking a leisurely afternoon stroll, many of us have been trying to make exercise a part of our daily routine. Vital for maintaining both a healthy body and mind, making the time to move is sure to lift your mood and leave you in good spirits, despite the home / work challenges you might be currently facing.
Nevertheless, if after a few months of lockdown you’re stuck in a rut with your workout routine, we’re rounding up some of our favourite new ways to stay active to inspire to get you back in the groove... and the good news is, most of them are free too!
Down Dog App
Since lockdown began, it might seem as though everyone on Instagram has a newfound love for yoga! Proven to increase flexibility, muscle strength and circulatory health, yoga is a great way to tone-up while also providing a much-needed moment of calm. If you’ve never tried your hand at it before, the Down Dog App is a great way to get started. Offering a month’s free subscription for new members during the COVID-19 epidemic, turning your living room or garden into a studio has never been easier. Simply download the app, choose a level (from beginner to advanced) and you’ll get a brand new yoga practice every time - you can even personalise the voice of your teacher!
Jump Rope
Trying to create a home gym but finding all the equipment you need has sold out online? Introducing the skipping rope: the cheapest and most portable fitness tool out there – and one that’s still in stock! A great calorie burner that impacts the knees less than jogging, ‘jumping rope’ might be something you haven’t done since childhood but it will certainly spice up your workout routine... Begin by attempting to jump for 1-minute continuously – it doesn’t sound like much but it will be surprisingly demanding.
Les Mills
From Body Pump to Body Attack, the chances are that you’ve already taken part in a Les Mills class at some point in your fitness journey. The namesake of an Olympic athlete from New Zealand, Les Mills is now a household name across the globe. While you might not be able to take part in a Les Mills class at your local gym, a Les Mills On Demand subscription is now available with a 30-day free trial for new users and provides access to over 800 workouts – many of which require no equipment at all!
Floor Climbing
Perhaps the most straightforward suggestion in this round-up, floor climbing requires something many of us already have in our very own home: a staircase! In many countries where the pandemic has limited venturing outdoors, the humble staircase offers a solution. Sure to improve cardiovascular fitness, climbing up and down stairs is something many would usually do at the gym via expensive stair climbing machines. Try running up as fast as possible and walking back down for a quick HIIT session. Alternatively, take it slower, climbing 2 stairs at a time. Don’t worry if you don’t have stairs in your home, the chances are there is a set at your local park or nearby.
Peloton App
In the past year, Peloton has taken the fitness world by storm. The brand now has ‘cult’ status in the fitness community thanks to their super-cool (but pretty pricey) at-home bicycle which allows users to live-stream workouts from celebrity personal trainers without leaving the house! But if you can’t quite afford the £2000 price tag of a bicycle, the good news is that Peloton has made their exercise app free for 90-days during the coronavirus pandemic. Packed with polished, high-quality workout videos ranging from meditations to boot camps you’ll definitely find one to suit your routine and feel on-trend while doing so!
In fact, there are a huge number of free apps available, including the highly recommended Nike Training Club and joggers’ favourite, Run Keeper to name just a few. Instagram has also become a new place to find exercise inspiration – why not give your local fitness club or favourite gym-brand a follow – the chances are they uploading new workout videos daily or streaming them live via IGTV. Enjoy!