The secret behind not losing your dang mind when you are stuck at home is simple: keep active. But I learned really quickly, I didn’t really know what that looked like at the beginning of all of this. Normally, I’m active all day running kids around, cleaning house, chasing the dogs, and going to the gym. But my normal has changed – just like everybody else’s.
So I quickly had to find ways to stay active in ways that were conducive to the new normal! And guys, it’s super simple. I’m excited to partner with Openfit, who sponsored this blog post, to bring you 5 ways I’m staying active at home.
1) MAKE NORMAL TASKS MORE DIFFICULT
This may sound super strange but I’m telling you, it works! This could include taking the stairs 2 at a time, keeping milk jugs full of water at the top and bottom of the stairs that you grab each time you go up or down. You could even turn something that might only require one trip from the car into the house into multiple trips. It sounds strange but taking those extra steps and carrying extra weight can make a huge difference each day and over time!
2) exercise your brain
Just like your body, your mind needs to stay active as well. Plus, if you’re a podcast-listener or audiobook junkie like me, this makes any physical activity you do that much better! I’ve got a few of my favorites listed HERE, but I totally encourage you to find something you love and make it a part of your daily schedule! Set aside 30 minutes a day if you like to read or pop on some headphones to listen as you clean up the kitchen. Chances are, you aren’t talking to as many people as you used to and that lack of socialization and conversation will definitely take its toll. Don’t let it! Exercise your mind for at least 30 minutes each day.
As a side note, if you’re currently doing in-home study with your kids, your brain is probably getting its workout in just fine. So when you do read (if you’ve got any energy left) make sure it’s totally indulgent and just for you!
3) find an at-home workout program you love
While fancy equipment and complicated exercises can be fun, they’re hard to come by when the gym is out of the question and you don’t own anything but a set of dumbbells!
But there was no way I was going to quit working out while we were stuck at home and it forced me to get creative! So I tried a few online programs and I found one that I LOVE and can really connect with. It is simple and effective. AND, it can be done anywhere you are, whether it’s a cramped apartment, a hotel room, on the beach, or — yep — even at a gym (if they ever reopen). It’s called Openfit and they are offering a 21-day FREE trial, so you can try it out, too!
For the Openfit classes, all you really need is your body and any device will work, including your TV! You can pick from LIVE classes that are taught by a real, personal trainer. These are kind of fun because you can turn your camera on and the trainer can see you. You can interact with the trainer as well as other people doing the same class! It’s a great way to get some of that social interaction in that I mentioned above.
And if live classes aren’t your jam, you can also do one of their MANY programs!
2 of my favorite workouts are Xtend Barre and XB Pilates!
- XB Pilates is a new digital fitness program created by Openfit and celebrity trainer Andrea Rogers. XB Pilates combines classical mat Pilates with Reformer – Inspired cardio movements to mimic equipment-based Pilates classes. A 21-Day Pilates program tones, tightens, and sculpts your body in just 30 minutes a day.
- Xtend Barre is a new digital fitness program created by Andrea Rogers as well and combines the body-shaping benefits of a traditional barre routine with a fat-blasting calorie burn. No barre required!
This is a very affordable alternative to a personal trainer or boutique studio. The cost is $96 per year after the extended free trial. SO COME WORKOUT WITH ME – virtually! Openfit is giving away 21 days of totally free access to their programs!! That means, you can do an entire Program for free or try all of the other live and on-demand classes they offer! Just click HERE to get my SPECIAL extended 21-days of FREE access to Openfit.
4) Schedule Time To Be Outside For At LEast 30 minutes each day (weather permitting)
When you give your skin access to a healthy dose of the sun’s rays, you are likely to experience some tangible benefits immediately. In fact, getting the proper amount of sunlight each day can affect your mental and physical health. It does everything from boost your Vitamin D, which reduces inflammation and promotes cellular growth, to improve your mood! It’s also been shown to lower your blood pressure, create healthy bones, and improve your sleep! Just make sure you’re wearing sunscreen!
Or do what I do and take your workouts outside when you can! I promise you that you will feel more invigorated than ever and will never want to step foot in a gym again. And if you’ve got Openfit on your iPad or phone, this is super easy!
5) Keep moving
If you’re working from home like many of us are, the basic rule is “keep moving.” Don’t sit sedentary for too long. Get up for 10-15 minutes every hour or so and stretch your legs, your back, and get your blood moving. This will help fight fatigue, weight gain, and will make you overall healthier than someone who sits at a desk day in and day out without moving a muscle.
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I hope these tips were helpful and you’re doing what you can to stay active! If you’re doing something you’re loving and that work for you, share it in the comments below!
Xx Tara
