We are in uncharted waters. COVID-19 has disrupted the entire world, and it is affecting all of us in every aspect of our lives. Public health concerns, school closures, businesses closing, and hour-by-hour updates on how to live our lives can all be very overwhelming, frustrating, and stressful. However, in these unprecedented times, it's essential to stay active and move. Staying physically active at least 20 to 30 minutes a day boosts your immune system and lessens stress, not to mention you something to do. But before you begin that in-home workout, let's discuss three key points to make working out and staying in shape at home smooth and easy.
KEEP IT STRONG & PLIABLE: Our bodies work best when they are pliable. Your flexibility combined with your core strength is the gatekeeper to your body's ability to move. A good rule of thumb is that you should always start and end any physical activity with stretching, dynamic stretches (moving stretches) before, and static stretches (holding stretches) after. Stretching helps loosen up your body to utilize proper form while exercising and aids in recovery afterward.
KEEP IT STABLE: Look at your body as a house. If that house is built on an unstable foundation, you will likely see stress cracks in your walls over time. Your body also needs a solid foundation. Your stress cracks look like pulled muscles, stress fractures, herniated disks, or even mood swings from improper breathing (yes, breathing requires a form of physical flexibility). So to make sure you don't run into these problems, add some balance and stability elements to your workouts. For example, try moving on one leg or perhaps a short series of simple yoga stretches.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: There is beauty in simplicity. You don't need elaborate movements or a lot of equipment to get the job done. Look at your workout as a series of movement patterns and not a series of muscles. It's easier that way and less overwhelming than considering hundreds of forces. The three patterns you should consider while working out at home are push, pull, and twist, for example, a push-up (upper body push), a squat (lower body push), row (upper body pull), hamstring curls (lower body pull), and woodchoppers (full body twist). Your focus on three patterns between your upper and lower body puts your attention on the movement and your workout routine versus your body's many different muscles.
Now, more than ever, it's essential to find something active to do within your home. Try this Home workout we put together just for you!! You can find more workouts like this online at www.lifestyleathletewellness.com. Enjoy, and stay safe! Until next time, Train Like an athlete, heal like a hippie, and always trust your gut!
Your Lifestyle Athlete team,
