The pandemic has had a seriously negative effect on the nation’s health – whilst some have taken the opportunity to improve their fitness, being stuck inside has left it very difficult for many of us to maintain our fitness levels. Remaining healthy is very important in maintaining the immune system, which is our best defence against coronavirus. This summer it is important to regularly get tested in order to stop the spread of the virus – try the Healgen antigen test for quick and precise results. This summer is the perfect opportunity to get your fitness back on track – below are the top 10 ways to get your fitness back on track this summer.
Couch to 5k
This programme is very effective for those that are new to running. It slowly builds up your fitness levels by giving you harder objectives every week, until eventually you are able to complete a 5-kilometre run without breaks. It is recommended by the NHS as a safe way to build up fitness. Download the app to help track your progress.
Join an online fitness class
Thanks to modern technology you can now bring the gym to your home. Join an online fitness class hosted by your local gym or join a viral challenge such as Chloe Ting’s Challenge – an effective and free workout program. There are an abundance of online fitness communities, particularly on YouTube.
Get biking
Head outside with your bike and admire nature, whilst building up leg muscles and cardio. Riding a bike is one of the most enjoyable exercises and is great at decreasing stress levels. Ride your bike to work for a relaxing and healthy start to your morning.
Try yoga
Practising yoga is not only good for physical health, but also for mental health. It is a very effective way to manage stress, as well as improving strength and balance. Yoga is also beneficial to our sleep and can help us to wind down after a long day. Though it may not be as physically strenuous as other exercises, it is massively beneficial in improving flexibility.
Follow fitness influencers
Influencers are there to motivate you and following those that you are inspired by is a very effective way of staying on track. Popular influencers include Joe Wicks, who has a line of cookbooks and free workouts online, or Chessie King who has lots of workouts on her Instagram page.
Home exercises
Some of us are not yet comfortable enough to go to the gym due to the virus, or simply cannot afford the subscription fee – so why not bring the gym to your living room? There are an abundance of free workouts to try online that do not require any equipment, so there really is no excuse.
Skipping
Relive your childhood by having a go at skipping. There are a multitude of health benefits, with skipping burning a whopping 10 calories a minute. It is said to improve heart health, increase concentration and improve coordination.
Strength workouts
Lifting weights may seem daunting, but many fitness experts agree that it is the most effective way to shed body fat quickly. If you’re new to lifting, consult a personal trainer or tutorial, since lifting wrong can cause serious injury. Make sure to start light and build up over time to avoid tearing a muscle. If going to the gym to lift weights, make sure to take a Healgen antigen test to keep yourself and others safe.
HIIT
HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training and was popularised by Joe Wicks. It involves doing short bursts of exercise, normally for around 20 minutes. According to experts, HIIT can permanently increase metabolic rate – what’s not to love?
Go walking
Going for a walk is less intense than other types of exercise but is a good starting point to improve fitness. Walking can improve heart health and help the mind and body to relax.