For anyone who likes to keep fit, the current closure of gym and leisure centres during the UK’s national lockdown can be a challenge. With advice to stay inside, although outdoor exercise is permitted, motivation can be difficult during these times. At Umax Fitness, we aim to help you to stay fit and healthy in lockdown, offering lockdown fitness tips and the option to contact us for a training plan. Read on to find out more about how you can keep fit in lockdown.

The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise

Exercising outdoors can be more of a challenge than training from the comfort of your gym, where you would have air conditioning set to the optimum temperature to help you with your workout, and where you have perhaps built a routine of equipment or group classes. Outside, you are faced with the elements, and with rain and wind, snow and ice, it can be tempting to stay indoors. That said, it’s worthwhile to take any opportunity you can to get outside. Whilst you may still have work commitments, keep an eye on the weather for a window of opportunity to go outdoors, and if you are worried about parks being too busy, try to set aside time at the beginning or end of the day, at times where they may be less busy.

Without the use of public transport, even long walks can be beneficial, and allow you to see parts of your area that you don’t usually see. If you go for a run outside, it can have the added bonus of lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. Regular exercise, teamed with some fresh air, can also help you sleep better at night. Outdoor exercise offers the space for you to run free, increasing endorphins and adding variation to complement home workouts that may be more focused on using your bodyweight for strength training, or those concentrated on mobility. Without being able to meet people indoors, you can also take the opportunity to meet with any local friends and family for a walk or other exercise.

At-home Exercise Routines

There are plenty of at-home workout videos and tutorials you can use, and you can use the smallest of space and equipment to do them. A mat will always come in handy, and although you can get various indoor equipment, most indoor workouts will require little more than a set of dumbbells. Mix up your routine by incorporating a combination of body-weight exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, with those that also exercise the mind like yoga and Pilates. Whatever exercise you choose to do at home, for however long you do it, you will benefit both physically and mentally.

As the NHS website lists in its recommendations: any activity is better than none. This can be really important to remember when trying to motivate yourself. It is advised that adults do strength training to work all the major muscles at least two days a week, with 150 minutes of moderate intensity activities a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week). This could work out as 30 minutes five days a week, for example. Remember this is a minimum standard, so you can always go harder. If you don’t have to commute as you’re working from home, make sure to break up any long periods of sitting down with some kind of movement. Remember, you can always just put on a song and dance around as a break!

Picking up a New Hobby

If you’re struggling to motivate yourself to go for a jog or even pull out your yoga mat, then why not pick up a new hobby? Remember that motivation comes from action, and even buying some new gear or exercise wear could give you the boost you need to get going. Remember how it felt to play as a child, and take up activities you may have loved as a child such as rollerblading, skateboarding, or skipping. Whether indoors or outdoors, you could get a pair of boxing gloves and let out some pent-up frustration with those you live with, or pick up hula hooping to your favourite tunes. Whether going for a bike ride, or even getting a wet suit for some outdoor swimming, there’s plenty to keep you moving even with the current lockdown restrictions.

Online Coaching

If you want support with your fitness plan, we offer a flexible online personal training service. This can be suitable for whether you’re training at home or outside, where we can also offer some nutritional advice to help you obtain your goals. We begin with an initial interview, and carry out weekly check-in meetings to make sure you have ongoing support during your fitness journey.

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us for advice and to obtain a lockdown fitness plan. Simply complete the online contact form, or you can alternatively call or text 07508531855 for more urgent enquiries and we will be happy to help you in any way we can.