One of the most challenging things about the pandemic is that we are getting less physical activity than usual. Before, many of us would go to the gym or walk to work. Now, that’s not the safest option because of the virus. As a result, you may be feeling agitated because of being idle for so long.
Fortunately, some activities have a lower risk of infection while also being good workouts.
Biking
If you want to stay fit but don’t want to head to the gym, biking is a great way to exercise without exposing yourself to the virus. Most fitness activities, such as lifting in the gym or team sports, are within closed spaces with many people. With cycling, you can properly social distance and don’t have to interact with others too much. Aside from that, it is a great way to maintain your fitness and stay active.
During the pandemic, there has been a drastic increase in cyclists. For example, Dorel Industries reported an eight percent increase in bike revenue in the second quarter of last year. Bikes have become the perfect alternative to public transportation. Instead of jeopardizing their health in public spaces, people have opted to bike to work and the grocery instead.
More than that, cycling is great for improving your cardiovascular health. It can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. Also, unlike most cardio activities, biking has the benefit of both weight loss and increases muscle. The resistance and weight of the bike are great for your quads and hamstrings.
Woodworking
If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at building tables and chairs, then you can try woodworking. It’s a great way to challenge yourself while also helping you work your muscles. What’s even better is that you can use it to make cool new items for your friends and family. The better you become at this skill, the more repairs you can do at home without spending money on a service.
What’s great about woodworking is that you can do it outside and decorate your backyard with all your new projects. You can even take it a step further and redecorate your garden. Get in touch with a garden design expert and see if you can build structures that complement your home’s outdoor space.
These projects can also build your strength in multiple parts of your body. Carrying heavy wooden materials or hammering things together requires some back and arm strength.
Wall Climbing
Another great activity that requires people to keep their distance is wall climbing. When doing wall or rock climbing, you shouldn’t crowd or be too close to other climbers because it might distract them. Those who do outdoor climbing usually do it in remote areas, so there’s not a lot of people in general. It is also a great way to stay fit.
This activity can even be done at home. You can hire someone to construct a course on the side of your home or in a spare room. It would require some inspections because the walls need to be strong enough to handle people’s weight. Proper padding on the floor is also needed if you will be free climbing. These structures are also safe for kids who want to try them.
What a lot of men don’t realise with wall climbing is that it’s not all about the arm strength. In fact, you don’t really rely so much on your arms. Rather, it’s your lower body and torso that do all the work. However, it is considered a full-body workout because it can be taxing on the arms if you’re still not that good with your footwork.
Bodyweight Lifting
No money for home gym equipment? Bodyweight exercises will be your next best friend. Time to familiarize yourself with push-ups, pull-ups, and squats. Although it might not have the same effect as bench pressing a dumbbell or anything, it can be just enough to help you maintain your weight. Aside from that, they also don’t require any equipment either.
If your fitness level is higher than the average person, then you would need something more challenging. Try looking at variations of the exercises mentioned. Single-hand push-ups or raised leg push-ups are examples of these. Going slower than normal can also help because it increases the difficulty. With squats, you can try holding something heavy, like a gallon of water, to make it more effective.
With these ideas in mind, you can plan out how you can maintain your fitness and focus on your well-being. Staying healthy during a pandemic shouldn’t be challenging.
