Consider Virtual Classes
Virtual classes are amazing if you're craving that group fitness atmosphere, or if you tend to excel when you're being led in a workout versus coming up with an exercise routine on your own. McCallister says, "With fitness studios and gyms offering virtual workouts globally, it's easy to try something new from anywhere in the world. Purchase a live stream class package or start a new on-demand workout series to keep your body guessing and give you a new source of motivation."
Some programs to consider include BeachBody on Demand, Obé Fitness, Pure Barre (individual studios offer live virtual classes, but they also have on-demand), Blink Fitness, and Corepower Yoga. Also check in with your local fitness studios or personal trainers who likely have virtual offerings (and even some one-on-one options) available.
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Mix it Up
"One of the most effective ways to continue increasing fitness levels is to mix up your activities. Even before increasing duration or intensity in current workouts, try something new," suggests Jenai. "Our bodies adapt when we do the same things over and over. Adding variance to your workout routine will not only improve your fitness but will keep you more engaged and enthusiastic. This will help avoid the challenges of getting complacent or bored with your routine."
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Invest in Some (Inexpensive) Equipment
You don't have to spend a fortune, but investing in a few inexpensive pieces of equipment can really help take your workouts to the next level. They also provide more opportunity to mix it up, as Jenai suggested. Our fitness experts recommended picking up some of the following pieces. Pick whatever appeals to you most and have fun with it!
• Resistance Bands: Letsfit Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt, $16.99 - $18.59
• Stability / Exercise Ball: Tone Fitness Stability Ball/Exercise Ball, $19.99
• Kettlebells: Everyday Essentials All-Purpose Color Vinyl Coated Kettlebells, $16.99+
• Jump Rope: Peach Bands Speed Jump Rope, $21.99
• TRX Fit System Suspension Trainer, $99.99
• Foam Roller: Trigger Point Performance Grid Foam Roller, $33.66
• Yoga Mat: Kuyou Foldable Yoga Mat, $32.97
• Dumbbells: Nice C Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Pair 5-in-1, $39.99 - $79.99
• Floor Gliders: Tone It Up Slide 'N Sculpt Discs, $9.99
Focus on Fine Tuning & Improvement
For all the advanced exercisers out there who feel lost without a gym or studio to hold you accountable and help you get the most out of your workouts: We hear you.
"Let's just say it takes one to know one. When the gyms and fitness studios closed their doors at first, I was like, 'I got this! Literally. I have dumbbells and a barbell with a few plates, some resistance bands and loops, gliders, and a mat in my small NYC apartment. No sweat.' Until I realized, yeah, no sweat, because I was so accustomed to getting my workout done in the gym," says Thompson. Instead of focusing on what her weaknesses were in the gym and decided to really fine tune and improve upon her skill set. And boom — there was her inspiration.
"This notion stands for everyone from the powerlifter to the spin enthusiast who feel lost and helpless without the tools that were available to them at the gyms and studios. You can start with fine tuning the mind-muscle connection via various exercises, then work on fine tuning mobility," she says. "From there, fine tune weak posture points that are breaking down form during movement. Honestly, now is your time to become the master of your movement patterns so that when you get your hands back on those weights or your body back under the bar or your butt back in the saddle; you'll thrive!"
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Incorporate More Movement into Your Everyday Life
If you're not feeling a 30-minute yoga sesh or a sweaty run, we get it. Sometimes you and your body need a break — just keep moving in small ways! Cote says, "We all have days where we might not feel up to our 'usual' workout. With a lot of people still working from home and being out and about less, it's important to be mindful of how you can incorporate movement into your day. Go for a walk while you are on a conference call, break up your day with a short walk, or take a few minutes to stretch."
On that note, if you're new to fitness, fell out of your usual routine, or are simply unsure of where to start, then cut yourself some slack!
"Instead of feeling discouraged, start small and head outside. Even a 10-minute walk outside, weather pending, can do wonders for your body. Then, if it feels good, slowly increase your duration and/or intensity," says Cote. "The big takeaway here is that no one's ever developed a long-lasting fitness routine from a place of shame or guilt. Start small and be proud of yourself for taking care of both your physical and mental health. You've got this!"
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