It’s clear that the COVID-19 situation is going to last for a while, and while we’re all safe at home, we need to create healthy activities for ourselves.

This situation raises countless issues for people; There are many terrible, difficult issues that we must grapple with—now and for a long time to come.

No matter the ship each of us is in during this storm one thing that is common to us all is…exercise. Exercise is so important for mood, focus, health—and immune function, which is especially important now. In this post I will be sharing tips for exercising at home.

For starters exercise gets your lymphatic system pumping which in turn boosts your immunity and overall health.  Best of all it will give you a hit of those feel-good hormones endorphins and lowers our levels of stress hormones which also supports our immune system.

What do I need to exercise at home?

Body weight exercises are incredibly effective and there are thousands of FREE exercises to choose from online.

If you don’t have equipment, there are plenty of household objects that can be used in place of equipment and weights. Canned foods can be used instead of dumbbells, and folded hand towels can be used as sliders. You can even incorporate your kiddos depending on their age.  Focus on what you CAN DO with WHAT YOU HAVE, not what you can’t do.

If you have equipment or can invest in some them – then you could add some resistance by using dumbbells, kettlebells, sliders, and resistance bands.

best time for EXERCISING at home

Personally, I recommend getting it done in the morning to avoid putting it off or other things getting in the way, but you have to find a time that works for you.  If you are getting your workout done consistently, I wouldn’t stress about the time.

DESIGNATing particular body parts to certain days 

Designating days for particular body parts is appropriate if your goals is to strength or build muscle.  But if you goal is to tone, improve “Tone” and increase your fitness then mixing it up with cardio and full body functional movements is more effective.

Can you get your cardio levels up in a small space?

Body weight exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, split lunge jumps, and high knees will all spike your heart rate and you need very little room. If you cannot jump either due to injury or downstairs neighbors, I recommend grabbing a can of beans or some light dumbbells and doing some boxing.

My Top 5 Exercises:

1. Squats & jump Squats
2. Side burpees
3. Planks or ab wheel
4.Push ups
5.Lunges with toe touch

You can find more tips for keeping active while social distancing on my contributing author post on the Great Little Box Company blog.

Interested in more tips and suggestions on Fitness and Family?  Head over to my Facebook and Instagram pages where I share my favorites workouts, as well as tips for leaving a balanced and active lifestyle, Fitness, Family, and Fun style.