Physical Fitness in the New Normal: Staying Physically Active at Home

The COVID-19 crisis has compromised the health and well-being of people. Most alarmingly, the pandemic has threatened and taken away people’s lives.

But not only has the novel coronavirus posed a threat to the physical body, but the pandemic restrictions have also led to a sedentary lifestyle. Think of adults working from home and children having their online classes. Apart from the COVID-19 infection, people have started having physical issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other underlying medical conditions.

For this reason, there has been a need to promote physical fitness amid the global health crisis. Despite the pandemic restrictions, people must stay as physically active as possible. It’s good that these restrictions have started to become lighter. Vaccinated individuals have started to go outdoors, but with health and safety measures. But while the COVID-19 pandemic is here to stay, fostering physical fitness is still the name of the game.

That said, here’s how to stay physically active at home during this pandemic:

1. Have regular home exercises

Did you know that home gyms have become increasingly popular during this pandemic? At the onset of the crisis, many individuals thought about having a dedicated workout space at home and investing in exercise tools and equipment. Some have even gone as far as remodeling their homes and installing a gym. Even if fitness centers have now reopened, many individuals have seen the value of working out at home. Hence, consider having regular home exercises in the new normal.

2. Engage in outdoor sports

It was difficult for individuals and families to engage in sports at the onset of the pandemic. With on-and-off lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, they had to give up their outdoor sports and other recreational activities. But they have gradually found ways and means to enjoy their sports within their premises. If you have a vast backyard, you are fortunate enough to play sports with your family. Some examples are badminton (if you have rackets and shuttlecocks) and basketball (if you have a mini-court).

3. Pursue calisthenics indoors and outdoors

Another physical activity you can perform indoor and outdoor is calisthenics. Calisthenics is a type of exercise focusing on strength training. But what makes it different from the usual weight-lifting in the gym is that you use your body weight. You carry your own body while performing movements rhythmically and using zero-to-minimal equipment. Hence, it’s considered a form of bodyweight exercise. You can perform indoor exercises, such as push-ups, curl-ups, and abs workouts. If not, try a bar workout in your backyard.

4. Do regular household chores

You don’t necessarily have to hit a gym or perform serious home exercises for your physical fitness. The ultimate goal is to stay as physically active as possible. Even if you’re in the comfort of your own home, you can perform regular household chores. These include making your bed, sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, and doing the laundry. Not only will you keep your home clean and tidy, but you can also foster your physical fitness.

5. Carry out home improvement projects

Aside from doing regular household chores, you can also pursue home improvement projects during this pandemic. Instead of hiring professional contractors, you can perform DIY home remodeling projects as long as you have the knowledge, skills, and expertise. You can also carry out tradesman works such as plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC maintenance and repairs. With all these activities, you’ll be surprised at how you’ll sweat out much and toil hard. Ultimately, they will keep you physically fit and healthy.

6. Undertake outdoor landscaping

Forbes said that 2020 was the Year of the Home, while 2021 was the Year of the Yard. This 2022, it appears that many households will continue to pursue outdoor landscaping. If you haven’t done so yet, consider improving your outdoor space. You can perform lawn care, outdoor gardening, hardscape installation, and even pavement construction. All these activities are physically challenging as a task. Hence, you can become physically active by doing outdoor landscaping.

7. Have pet playtime or training

The last on the list of physical activities is pet playtime or training. Yes, you can be physically active through pet ownership. In fact, many households have either adopted or purchased pets during this pandemic. National Geographic even said that pets have helped their owners cope with the pandemic. To be physically active, you have to bathe, groom, and feed your bathe. You can also set a time for dog or puppy training and playtime. Ultimately, taking care of your pets means taking good care of your physical health as well.

Final Thoughts

At this point, you now know how to stay physically active at home amid the COVID-19 crisis. Consider the practical tips for physical fitness recommended above, from having regular exercises to doing household chores to having pets’ playtime and training. With all these, you can foster your overall health and well-being. As a fitness enthusiast who values the importance of physical fitness and healthy living, nothing can stop you-not even a pandemic.