Exercising in Covid-19 times

With many countries around the world going into lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19, I thought it might be useful to write a post about exercising in the face of these restrictions.  Even though gyms will be closed, there are many ways you can continue to keep fit, healthy and strong, even if you don’t have any equipment.  In New Zealand, the online stores of most retailers are closed and are not delivering goods, so it may be difficult to order exercise equipment at this time.  In this case, my advice is to do the best with what you have and be creative!  This blog post will focus on what you can do without exercise equipment.

Here are some ideas for exercising in Covid-19 times.

Walking
Whether you are allowed to exercise outside depends on your lockdown restrictions, which vary from country to country.  In New Zealand, we are allowed to exercise outside so long as we remain with people in our lockdown “bubble” and maintain a 2m distance from other people.  Going for a walk ensures you get some fresh air.  It is low impact, making it a great form of exercise for beginners or people with injuries.

Running
Running is another great form of exercise that can be done at a nearby park or even around the streets where you live.  Before you go, just make sure that you’re allowed to exercise outdoors if you’re in lockdown.  Make sure you wear some good quality running shoes to prevent injuries.  If you’re new to running, you may want to start with walking and build it up from there.

Les Mills classes
The Fitness Giant Les Mills is screening live exercise classes on TV 1.  If you miss an episode or want to do it some other time, you can access episodes On Demand.

You can also sign up to Les Mills On Demand, which gives you unlimited access to a range of exercise classes which you can do in the comfort of your own home.
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Conditioning

• Sit ups
• Lying leg extensions/dead bug
• Plank
• Side plank
• Back extensions
• Burpees
• Mountain climbers
• Everest steps
• Press ups
• Tricep dips (use a chair)
• Step ups (use a chair, picnic table etc)
• Lunges
• Squats
• Wall sit
• Glute bridges