Staying Active During COVID-19

Your routine might look pretty stagnant right now. You might be sitting in one spot for long periods of time, or staring at a screen for most of the day. That’s not even considering the added stress of living during this pandemic, and all the arrangements you’ve had to make to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

In short, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind and a lot of pent up energy. Adding exercise to your day can address both worries in one fell swoop. Stimulate your brain and your body with these workout ideas!

Get Moving Inside

You don’t need workout equipment to get moving at home. Here are some simple ideas to get your sweat on using things you already have laying around the house.

• Stretches — Every workout begins with proper stretching. You can find plenty of great stretch routines on YouTube to keep you limber.
• Yoga — You can find a lot of great yoga routines online, too. Even brief sessions can help you find mental balance to get you through the day. If you’re working from home, you’re probably noticing some physical strain unless you have a proper home office set up. Yoga can keep your body flexible and work out some of that stress from poor posture.
• Stair climbing — If your house has multiple stories, this one’s easy. Try stepping up and down the bottom step 10 times whenever you take a break from work. And if you can do it safely, climbing up and down the full flight of stairs as many times as you can in 10 minutes can really get your heart rate up.
• Cardio — You’re probably moving a lot less these days, but cardio can help your heart stay active. Try some jumping jacks or burpees in the morning to kickstart your day.
• Calisthenics — Work those muscle groups with squats, crunches, planks, push-ups and lunges. If you’re a fan of a more structured workout, you can find guided sessions online.
• Gentle lifting — Even if you don’t have a set of weights, doing gentle lifting can help keep your muscles toned. Get creative and use heavy objects like jugs of water or bags of rice.

If you’re used to working out with a partner, set up a video chat. You can socialize while you exercise and keep each other accountable.

Be Smart Outside

You can still spend time outdoors during Indiana’s stay-at-home order, as long as you use common sense. Stay six feet apart from others. Wear a mask if you have one — and if you don’t, find out how to make one right here. And most importantly, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, stay home. You could expose others to the virus and cause serious health complications for them or their loved ones.

Simply taking a walk can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Trails like the Monon and Cultural Trail can get pretty crowded, so stick to walking through nearby neighborhoods. You might even find a new path that you enjoy walking!

If you’re a runner or biker, make sure to leave six feet when you pass someone. If you feel the need to spit, hold it in. COVID-19 spreads through droplets, so you could put others at risk — even if you aren’t showing any symptoms.

If you go hiking, take extra precautions not to get injured. Walk-in clinics are closed, and urgent care centers are experiencing increased traffic due to the pandemic. Stay safely on a beaten path, for your health and the health of others.

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, but staying active can help you feel a sense of control over your daily routine. Find more information about COVID-19 and Community’s response in our FAQ.