Why You NEED To Exercise During COVID-19

Ok so a lot of people are struggling to exercise from home lately

And I’m one of them 

Home workouts aren’t as exciting as the gym, it’s easy to get distracted and feel like there are “better” things to do. But despite my lack of motivation, I’m going to argue that there’s nothing better you can do right now than move your body

Exercise is the best way to manage stress. Even if you feel like you have your shit together, there’s still some underlining stress that you probably aren’t even aware of.

Exercise improves your body’s ability to use oxygen and also improves blood flow. Exercise also increases your brain’s production of endorphins. Endorphins are the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that (let’s phase it) we could all use right now.

Exercise can also help take your mind off your worries. The motions you put your body through during a workout allows you to focus on your body, rather than your mind. By concentrating on the rhythm of your movements, you experience many of the same benefits of meditation while working out. This focus can help provide calmness and clarity.

So if there’s ever a time to prioritize your exercise routine, it’s now. Do it for your mental sanity at least

I’m not saying you need to stop watching your Netflix, building your puzzles or baking some cookies. But if those things are being prioritized over exercising... I kindly want to encourage you to reconsider your priorities

Because let’s face it, binging on Netflix and cookies brings you nothing but momentary satisfaction and long-term guilt. You can’t tell me that you feel a sense of clarity and calmness after binging on an entire bag of cookies. 

So please take the time to do what’s necessary for your long-term health both physically and mentally. 

We have all the time in the world right now, so please use 1% of your day and go exercise because it is completely necessary right now!

Yes, the lack of motivation is tough, but are you motivated to brush your teeth? Take the trash out? Do the dishes?

Probably not...

Yet you do those things anyway

Your mentality towards exercising should be no different. Just get it done

So that begs the question of how you can force yourself to workout despite the lack of motivation. Let’s go over some strategies. 

1.    Make a solid playlist

Spotify should be your best friend right now. My go to pump up song right now ranges from The Eye of the Tiger to anything with Eminem. 

Take some time to create a workout playlist for yourself and select songs that you know are going to get you pumped up and keep you pushing and increasing your intensity while you workout. 

2.    Schedule your workout

Treat your workouts like a dentist appointment. You want to schedule that into your day versus just relying on your emotions. If you say “I’ll workout when I feel like it” I promise you… You are never going to really feel like it being at home. 

So set aside 45-60mins scheduled once a day and stick to that schedule

3.    Get Changed

I see everyone getting ready for their days like they are going to work right now. The same routine needs to be applied when you are ready to train. Pick out a cute workout outfit, change into your gym strip and lace up them runners! No working out in those PJ’s. 

4.    Take some Preworkout

For all my gym rats out there, you know that there’s no chance in hell that you are going to let a scoop of preworkout go to waste. So once it’s time for you to hit that iron, 20 minutes before slam a scoop of preworkout, there’s no turning back at that point. 

5.    Do a workout that you enjoy

Since we are so limited with what we have access to right now, just try to do something fun and that you enjoy. There are SO many amazing resources online right now for you to get in a solid/fun workout. There’s a bunch of bodyweight workouts, partner workouts or even HIIT workouts (if that’s your jam) that you can implement into your new routine to keep things fresh and exciting. 

Don’t overcomplicate the exercises, the reps or sets and try to make things as optimal as possible. The biggest thing that you need to figure out right now is finding a program that you can stick. As you adapt to your new routine, at that point you can look at making tweaks and adjustments to make your program optimal to fit your long term goals. But for now, just have some fun and get your body moving. 

Any workout is better than no workout.

Yes, another cliché quote. But it’s never been more true

Hope this helps!!!