So, with the new UK-wide lock-down due to COVID-19, many of us are going a bit crazy being stuck indoors. A great way to deal with pent up energy is to exercise. But with the closure of gyms and leisure centres and the fact that we are restricted to just one form of outdoor exercise a day, including a run, walk or bike ride, that leaves us with a lot of time and energy that’s going nowhere. However, we are not restricted to the amount of exercise we can do in our own homes, and there are so many brilliant free online workouts that can help our bodies and minds during this unprecedented time. Here are 5 to get you started...
1. P. E. with Joe Wicks
Designed as a PE session for kids who are out of school due to COVID-19, Joe Wicks’ new exercise programme P.E. with Joe has been a huge hit so far with children and adults alike. High energy exercises follow a good warmup, and Joe keeps it fun by explaining the muscles that are being worked out, sending out positive messages and keeping tired spirits high.
Lasting around half an hour, this daily P.E. lesson (which gets hundreds of thousands of global views) is perfect if you’re home with kids, but equally good if you’re alone or with your partner. It can be tough going at times, so don’t worry if you need to take a little water break! You can watch it live or catch up later on Youtube.
2. Yoga with Adriene
Whether you’re an avid yogi or you’re new to the world of yoga, there’s something for everyone on Yoga with Adriene. This American yoga enthusiast has you covered, whether you’re trying to tone up, lose weight or want to practise mindfulness, and her free online yoga videos are great for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.
There are loads of videos to choose from - whether you want to spend 5 minutes or 45 minutes practising yoga, this channel is for you. As well as general yoga style classes, she also has a 30-day yoga challenge, sessions that focus on working out specific parts of the body and yoga camp videos. Plus, her calming voice helps provide a bit of extra positivity in these uncertain times.
3. Drills with Kelly Holmes
We all know Dame Kelly Holmes as an incredible award winning runner, but did you know she has also started doing brilliant daily workouts for viewers to join in with over on her Instagram page? She does several sessions every day, live on her Instagram stories (@realkellyhomes1500), including core workouts, chair workouts and running drills, which you can watch (and join in with) live on her Insta stories.
There are exercises for all abilities and she puts up a post on her Instagram grid of the next day’s workout agenda. Can’t make the allotted times? No worries - you can catch them over on her Youtube channel. I mean, who better to coach you than a gold award-winning olympian?
4. Nike Training Club
When it comes to sportswear and sports equipment, Nike is a legend. But what’s great is that the company has also branched out into creating apps that can be used in the comfort of your home, so you can stay fit whenever you like. Nike Training Club is one of these apps. You can choose from over 185 free workouts - whether you prefer yoga, strength training or fat burning exercises.
When you first sign up, it asks you how many times a week you currently train, so it can figure out the best suggestions for you. Then, it lists workouts based on your response. You can browse workouts, create collections and also pick training plans. Beginner, machine or somewhere in between, there are workouts for everyone.
5. PopSugar Fitness
If you’re looking for a range of exercises in one place, another good resource is PopSugar Fitness. You can find these workout videos on Youtube, and they have everything from kettlebell workouts to dance sessions and kickboxing. It’s definitely high energy, so grab a bottle of water and a towel.
The good thing about these is that you can go in and choose the type of exercise you enjoy most and there are different instructors for each. There are tons to choose from, so you’ll have plenty of options to keep you going.
So, climbing the walls doesn’t have to be the only form of indoor exercise you do during the lock-down. Keep your mind and body healthy - and, who knows, you might just find yourself a new hobby in the process.