Stay Fit! The Dos and Don’ts of Exercising While The Bay Shelters in Place
By on March 20, 2020
I’m still coming to work each day because radio djs are “essential” (who knew?!) But once I get home, I’m not leaving the house. After a few days with no gym available and eating things like Chocolate Oreo Pie and nearly an entire Costco sized bin of Peanut M&Ms, I’m feeling like I need to workout! But what is OK to do while a shelter in place is in effect? There’s actually a lot you can do to burn off a few calories or tackle a full on, sweaty training session right from your home or nearby parks and trails. Here are a few suggestions to stave off those extra pounds while we make it through this emergency together.
Go for a walk! It’s ok to leave your house and walk around your neighborhood or nearby park or trail. Just remember to practice social distancing and leave six feet of space between yourself and others you may encounter while out. If you have a dog, instead of just letting them out in the backyard, find that leash you’ve lost track of and do a quick stroll around the block. You’ll feel better breathing in some fresh air and your dog will enjoy the sights, sounds and sniffs along the way.
Hikes are OK too! Live near a park, trail or open space you’ve always wanted to explore? Now is the time! Again, practice social distancing by leaving six feet of space between yourself and others. With more unscheduled time, this is a good opportunity to visit outdoor spaces near your home. But, keep in mind, it is not recommended that you go far from your home or leave the county in which you live. San Francisco Mayor, London Breed, has designated hiking/walking as an essential activity but it’s not necessary to leave your county to do it. For much of the Bay Area, outdoors spaces, parks and trails are just around the corner. Stick with those.
Ride your bike! Yes, you still need to follow the traffic laws and wear a helmet but most bicycles carry just one person. That makes cycling a practically perfect activity that burn calories and keep your distance during this time.
Your home is a gym! You don’t need a full set of dumbbells and racks of heavyweights to build muscle and burn calories. Push-ups, sit-ups, planks, squats and lunges are just a few exercises you can do with just your own body weight. If you have some old fitness equipment or gadgets that have been sitting around waiting to be donated to Goodwill, grab that 6 lb. weight or resistance strap and get more use from it during your time at home. There’s also plenty of fitness apps, online exercise programs and videos on demand to guide you through everything from weight workouts, pilates, yoga and more. Since group exercise is a no-no right now, if you’re into yoga, Zumba and other group sessions, you’re going to have to go it alone for now. Here’s a good example of someone making the most of it at home.
https://twitter.com/Crushing_Goals/status/1241014962044186626
With all you CAN do, I feel the need to make it clear what you CANNOT do…and that’s everything you normally do in groups like basketball, softball or any team sports (organized or casual). Yoga, pilates, etc. are also group activities and therefore, not allowed right now.
Check out these 20 YouTube workouts anyone can watch:
https://twitter.com/PHealthySchools/status/1240745113015521281
Staying at home is one of the most important thing we can do right now but don’t forget, you can leave your home for a bit to get your exercise. Just take the necessary steps to keep from catching or spreading the virus.
