Tips on Exercising During COVID-19

With the limitations that the COVID-19 Pandemic has put on many of our day to day lives, it can be hard to remain active. How do you workout during a time when there are so many restrictions on gyms or fitness activities? Below are some of our tips that you can use for exercising outdoors as well as at home.

exercising outdoors

Exercising with a friend, or in small groups

If you’re heading outside, consider bringing your family or a friend to keep you company, but keep the Government of Canada guidelines in mind. Choose activities that allow you to maintain an appropriate distance between each other, such as hiking or biking. Do your best to minimize direct contact and save your high-fives and fist bumps for another day.

If you are going to exercise with a small group of friends, plan to meet up at the destination to avoid close quarters like carpools. Keep at least two arm lengths away from one another during your time together.

Work on Improving Your Fitness at Home

Having a strong core and aerobic fitness level is necessary for good fitness. You can work on strengthening your core and cardiovascular condition without compromising the safety of those around you by using:

  • Home gyms
  • Home-based video workouts
  • Web-based exercise programs

In fact, many fitness related instructors and organizations are currently offering free online workout classes and routines for new users as a way to encourage activity and improve morale throughout the country. Here is a list of free workouts that you can use at home.

Running – Give Others Space

As Canadians practise social distancing, many are wondering what activity, if any, is safe to be doing during this time? Experts are saying that running, walking and hiking are all considered socially responsible exercise outlets, and are in fact encouraging getting outside for the mental, as well as physical health benefits.

There are more runners on the trails than usual, as it’s one of the few viable forms of exercise right now. With that in mind, try to run on quiet trails, and when you see runners, give them their space (at least six feet, or two metres).