If you’re like me, fitness is not only a way to stay in shape and look good in a suit, it’s also a tool to keep balance, stay sane and relieve stress.
We’ve already seen some great tips from Digital Dave in DJ Times on ways to use your downtime to grow your brand and keep yourself out there, as well as some great books to read from Mike Walter. Keeping with that theme, I’ve complied a list of ways to stay active and use fitness to stay positive in this tough time.
I should start by saying during this time I’ve shifted my focus away from any kind of strength or muscle building/fat loss goals. I simply want to get in a solid hour of some sweat-inducing, endorphin raising activity.
I’ve shifted my focus away from any kind of strength or muscle building/fat loss goals.
I know that with the limited access to exercise equipment I’m not going to be able to exactly replicate what I do in a real gym — in this uncertain time where our businesses are being pummeled with postponements and cancellations, we just need an hour to escape it all!
Here are five ways to stay active and sane during the lockdown.
1. Circuit Training
I’m listing this first since this is my go-to. I’ve got a few things at my house including A treadmill, Bowflex Select Tech dumbbells, a pull up bar, a kettlebell and a 30 pound medicine ball. I’ve created a circuit that I do daily that looks like this:
Warm up – 15 minutes on treadmill walking at 2.8MPH on 15% incline
Circuit (repeat 10x)
- 10 Pullups
- 10 Pushups
- 10 Dumbbell Curls
- 10 Medicine Ball Slams
- 10 Kettlebell Swings
- Cool Down 10 minutes on treadmill – jog at 6MPH
I repeat this daily. If you don’t have a treadmill or cardio machine you can do things like burpees, jumping jacks, running in place or jumping rope. The key is improvising!
2. Hit the App Store
If you’re someone that prefers more guidance or even a personal-trainer like atmosphere when you workout you’re in luck – your phone’s App store has dozens upon dozens of awesome workout apps to push you through! Check out Aaptiv, Dailyburn, Shred, Fitbod, Les Mils, Sworkit, Nike, MyFitnessPal and even Peloton has workouts you can do without having to own a Peloton Bike!
3. Get Your Stretch On
I’m a HUGE advocate of yoga. While it’s not in my regular arsenal of fitness it’s a go-to for me when I’m sore, stiff, injured or just plain old burnt-out on weights. While I personally love hot yoga, stretching my joints and muscles in a 102 degree room just really isn’t possible in these circumstances. As mentioned above, not only can you can find dozens of great yoga based workout apps on your phone (my personal favorite is DDP Yoga), but you can also find a TON on YouTube and get a great stretch on right in your living room.
4. Strengthen that Core
Your core and midsection is crucial to your health. Having a strong core stabilizes your body and improves balance. My go-to movement for core strength are planks. Things like bicycle crunches, side planks, scissor kicks and bridges can get you not only a six-pack but also less back pain overall. The Sworkit app mentioned in #2 has some GREAT core workouts that I personally use.
5. Get Outside!
This goes without saying, but I know for myself that a little fresh air goes a long way. Obviously if you’re in an area that has you sheltering in place you won’t want to break any laws; but taking a bike-ride, jog, short walk, hike or even sitting outside and having your morning coffee will get you some essential vitamin D and raise your spirits. If you’ve got a driveway, patio or even a parking lot perhaps you can get your mini circuit workout in while enjoying some outside time.
The most important thing in all of this is to get active, enjoy yourself and relieve some of the stress and anxiety of this trying time. Keep in control of the things you can and try not to let the things out of your control consume you. We’re all in this together and if you can stay focused we’ll all come out of this stronger.
DJ Alex Nepa runs Mint DJ Events, nearby the campus of Penn State University in State College, PA. They do over 600 events a year — from official university events to nightlife and weddings.
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