Don't let the lockdown get you down: Home workout advice to lift mind and body
With gyms closed, classes cancelled and the country's third lockdown in full force, people are turning to home based workouts to stay fit and improve their mental health.
Shropshire PT and fitness instructor, Rich Woodman of RW Fitness, stressed the importance of exercise during lockdown and the wonders 10 minutes of fresh air can do for people's mental and physical health.
For many, the gyms are more than just a way of keeping fit, they are a reason to get out the house and socialise, and meet like-minded people.
Rich, who lives in Albrighton, stressed the importance of finding someone in your bubble you can workout with, to keep your mind and body lifted.
"It's sad season for many, working inside, we're not getting enough vitamin D into our bodies," Rich said. "So it's really good for people to chat to each other, fitness related or not.
"This time of year after Christmas, people want to lose weight, so it's a nightmare that the gyms are closed. People are turning to online classes on Zoom which is a great way to stay healthy.
"At RW Fitness we are currently doing three classes a day on Zoom, to suit all body types from HIIT sessions to home based workouts. A lot of PT's are also doing online one-to-one's."
Rich and his team have been continuing to support their members throughout the three lockdowns, including putting up useful home workouts with items from around the house.
"So many things around the house can be used for workouts, from a basic tin of beans to water bottles, milk bottles filled with different amounts of soil for different weights, plant pots, anything you can find.
"The downfall at the moment is that fitness equipment is like gold dust, you can't get hold of any. I've rented out the spin bikes I normally use for classes so people can still join in from home on their own bike. It's about adapting.
"Just seeing people online with you, it's good for people who may be suffering or trying to motivate themselves. I have got a group of girls who usually attend classes on a Saturday, they've started meeting up using Zoom for a catch up."
Rich also urged people to take advantage of the great outdoors – a simple walk round the block after work, or a weekend walk can really help with mental health and keep their fitness levels up.
He said: "People need to utilise the great outdoors – you can team up with someone in your bubble or meet one other person outdoors, keeping socially distanced, and just go for a walk. There's so much to do outside, go for a nice walk, throw in a squat session at the end, or you could go up the Wrekin, there is so much to do round here, while still being safe.
"People feel trapped in their houses at the moment. The benefits of exercise are limitless, the endorphins we get are so good for us. Get your body feeling good with some fresh air in your system – it's better to keep active and stay awake, because when you're just sat around all day your mood drops.
"This is where depression and anxiety can build up. Exercise is important, but so is forming a group who can help motivate you to stay positive."
As well as the health side to fitness, there is a also a big social aspect. Rich said it's a good idea to join programmes or trials online that have chat facilities or online meet ups, so people can still enjoy the social benefit despite gyms being closed.
"Towards the end of the first lockdown I felt a bit low and I know a lot of people did too, that's why it's important for fitness to be low cost and easy access," he said.
"A simple 30 minute power walk will be fat burning, it's as simple as that to make yourself feel better."
Visit www.facebook.com/rwfitness to find out more.
