I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed those runs that I more often than not complained about until this whole sorry saga took them away from me. And I know many of you will be in the same boat with whatever your favourite way to workout is. Some of you will already be wondering why I can’t run outside still. To keep it simple, I’m trying to go outside as little as possible. And my allotted daily hour of exercise is dedicated to walking my dog. That’s definitely an activity I would not have considered a part of my exercise routine if you’d asked me a couple of weeks ago, but here we are.
Get Healthy With Me Comeback
Once upon a time, I ran a monthly ‘Get Healthy with Me’ series where I talked about everything from my running goals, water consumption and sleeping habits as an all round monthly general health wrap up. I think it’s time to bring that back. With this current situation unfolding and none of us knowing when ‘normal’ is coming back, I thought this series would be a good thing for a couple of reasons. Primarily, it will help keep me accountable. Secondly, hopefully, it can be a source of encouragement for others trying to do their bit to keep up a healthy routine. And finally, if that all fails, we can all moan together in the comments about how much our routines are suffering.
We’ve only had one full week of lockdown at this point, but I haven’t seen the inside of my gym or ran outside in about three weeks now. I was staying away from my gym prior to lockdown for obvious reasons, and not wanting to run outside in an attempt to avoid all humans entirely.
This initial post isn’t going to be goals orientated as much as the previous posts in this series (we’ll start that next month maybe?). Right now, I’m going to tell you guys what I’ve been doing and sharing some options for free at home workouts.
At Home Workout Routines
What I’m doing right now
I tweeted a little over a week ago, (maybe, time as a general concept is somewhat lost on me right now) that I’d just spent 35 minutes running in place while staring at my microwave. Well, I’m still doing that. For those of you who don’t know, running is my primary form of exercise. I’m a distance runner rather than a speed runner, so this whole lockdown thing doesn’t work too well for me anyway.
I’m under no illusion. I know running in place won’t be doing quite the same for my body as my regular runs. And after sharing several screenshots of the pitiful pace that my Nike Running App is showing me with Sahara, I know I’m not alone in this.
For reference, here’s a before and after lockdown run comparison.
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- Before…
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- After…
My plans for future workouts
As tragic as my current running routine is, I’m going to try to stick to it with at least one steady paced shorter run (5km ish), one distance run (10km+ if possible while running in place) and one speed workout a week. That’s slightly less than my regular routine, but enough to keep me going.
Some stretching workouts. This is an area I usually neglect, but I can’t imagine that running in this way will be doing the greatest things for my joints/ body in general, so I’m going to up my stretching and flexibility workouts to try and keep my joints in good shape.
Getting a resistance band. This is something I already own, but mine is terrible. I’ve been on the fence about getting a B_ND resistance band for what feels like forever now and I think it’s finally time to get an upgrade to assist my home workouts.
Alternative at home workout suggestions
There are many apps and programmes you can join, but I’m focusing this on free options right now so everyone can potentially use them.
Technology is our friend. I know so many people are tuning in to do PE with Joe, and some gyms are offering online classes, but if that’s not your thing, you still have options!
YouTube/ Instagram
Fitspos, love them or hate them, they’re all trying their best to provide at home routines you can do right now. Many are less than 20 minutes long and some offer different movements based on your ability, but they’re all great options. Some of my favourites:
Other Online Workouts
Other than fitness influencers, there are plenty of online trainers etc that only share workouts online. Not fitness and a Dior press event, if that’s not your thing.
Fitness Blender have a huge library of YouTube workouts suitable for home workouts, some with weights, some bodyweight only. They vary in length and difficulty, so there should be something for everyone.
Apps?
The Nike apps are actually running a great workout at home series right now with a weekly picks menu of bodyweight exercises you can do from different categories. Some are yoga based, others are to help runners, some are training based. But there’s plenty to choose from.
Are you guys managing to keep some kind of workout routine right now? If so, what are you doing? Share any tips you have below!
Until next time,
Sophie
I work-out everyday to keep sane and more energized. I do yoga, hit workouts and running. Try to change it up each time 🙂
http://www.fashionradi.com
Hi Sophie,
This is a useful post to read. As a runner myself I’ve been looking at inventive ways to mix up my training and get my workouts done here in Nepal. I will try these, recently I’ve been running up and down my stairs/in my garden. It’s important I keep active though for my mind!
I’ve been doing step ups at the bottom of our stairs. Don’t think our downstairs neighbour would appreciate us doing running or starjumps over his head
I am not a runner by any means, but I have started jogging/stepping on the spot, just to get a bit of exercise in. Also dancing about to music is my current exercise regime
I love Em Shelden’s fitness videos. Another good one is Blogilates if you are into pilates.
Hopefully, we can get back to ‘normal’ asap!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
I’ve been a bit bad and not been getting as much exercise recently but I’m definitely going to check out some of those you’ve mentioned along with MadFit on youtube who has some fun workouts I’ve been meaning to do!
Sarah x
Thank you for sharing this. I am definitely doing home workout and I absolutely love Nike App especially as they have a really nice workout guide
These are really great tips!
I’ve started doing exercise from home as I have no excuse not to now during lockdown.
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
These are nice tips
https://worldviewcaptures.blogspot.com/2020/04/in-uk-be-captivated-by-wild-swimming.html
I’m doing a bit of yoga and cardio. But, I’m also looking for other workout programs to change my routine. Thanks for the recommendations. BTW, your sneakers are cute 🙂
I wish I could have some workout routine now but honestly feel a bit uneasy right now. I’ve spent the past few months getting my workout/exercise while being at work daily and constantly on the go. After reading this I think I’m going to try and find some sort of workout routine and try some of the youtube routines that you recommended.
Well done for keeping kit at a time like this! 🙂
Those flowery trainers are gorgeous!! I’m struggling to do at home workouts at the moment as I’m just so used to the gym environment 🙁 hopefully I’ll get the hang of it soon though!!
Roni
myelevatedexistence.com
It’s great that you’ve got fitness apps and your blog to keep track of your training and keep yourself disciplined. Those online workouts are really gonna be useful, especially if you get to a point where you’re bored and need change up thr workouts from time to time l
I’ve been working out like 5/6 times a week like I was before the lockdown. Ive been making use of a lot workout templates from Darebee.com. They’ve got quite a lot of workout and meal plans and training tips too.
Luckily I have some fitness equipment at home but obviously there’s so much I can do with them. Plus for me being indoors more makes me more prone to picking up bad eating habits so I’m adapting my training regime to having more cardio.
I’ve been chasing down some medicine balls and sandbags to add to my equipment. Thing is I’m struggling to find them at a reasonable price and the ones still available are either very expensive (probably also inflated cos of the high demand) or will take ages to be delivered. Oh well – it is what it is and it’s just about adapting and making do with what we have!
Hope you keep in good shape and eat well and that you’re staying safe (and sane!)
Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures
Im guilty of not really doing any sort of home workouts but i cant say i did many workouts even when we werent in lockdown but i love the idea of the PE with joe wicks and other online streams from gyms and PT’s!
I haven’t been as active as I was before lock down and its something I definitely need to keep up with. for the endorphins at least! We brought a treadmill that I never use, (my dog likes to sleep on it!) and I really need to get off my butt and use it! Thank you for the suggestions Sophie xx
Violethollow.com
I love all of these at-home workouts! We can still maintain our health with basic at-home exercises. Even though I don’t have free weights, there’s always body weight! It’ll be a bummer to lose all of the progress we made due to lockdown. Thanks for sharing all of these different options!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I’ve started 4 30 day workout challenges. Sit-ups, squats, push ups and plank. So far I’ve done it for 13 days (we’ve been on lockdown for 3 weeks I think it is by now) and I can feel a difference, that I’m moving and not just ataying still inside.
I used to love going to the gym so I’ve been struggling at home, I think YouTube has become my best friend when it comes to workouts. I also like that there are a lot of instagram lives we can follow each day from influences.
Abigail | chatwithabigurumi.com
I’m trying to keep up with my exercise and making sure that I don’t go stir crazy whilst working from home! Weirdly I feel like I have a lot more energy recently, but I love all your suggestions, and they are perfect for helping me to change things up a bit. Don’t want to get too bored if I can help it haha
Ooh I’ll have to check out Fitness Blender, I’m always looking for new workouts to try! At the moment, I’m trying to do a lot of cardio at the moment to keep my lungs working, I usually do Joe Wicks cardio workouts as they’re the ones that get me out of breath and sweaty! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I have always wanted to take up running but never pushed myself out the door, instead adapting a twenty minute workout to fit my needs. But, when I used to go into town, I saw many people out jogging and running and love that you have provided some fun Youtube accounts to follow and get motivated to work out at home. I hope you find a good exercise routine that works for you!
These are really good ideas, im an aspiring college athlete, so i will use these to my advantage.
Thank you for sharing these online workout resources. I have been doing some but not nearly enough. -Jenni x
I struggle with doing workouts at home as I don’t have the motivation so i’ve been going for a little bike ride every day instead Bryony
Great tips for staying in shape while at home. Thanks for sharing.
Exercise is the only thing keeping me sane right now. I’ve mainly been running but will definitely be checking out the Nike app for home workouts. Thanks for sharing!
https://serialjetsetter.com
Great tips and suggestions for at home workouts. Definitely useful advice during lockdown.
I am not doing any home workout these days TBH … but I am sure I will start very soon… Thanks for that inspirational post hon.. loved reading it… happy day…❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
I actually love running, but I don’t really like to run alone! So I actually joined a yoga program (which is actually challenging because I have never been good at/ really enjoyed yoga). It’s definitely nice to do some sort of movement while stuck at home! Thanks for the post!
I’ve been thinking about investing in a treadmill, but we live in an apartment so I don’t want to disturb my downstairs neighbours </3 That said, we've been doing daily yoga videos and they're keeping my back (and my brain) happy! Great post girly xxx
Thanks so much for sharing your tips! I’ve had Tabata downloaded for the longest time and this reminded me to open it again and try to sneak a workout in today.
I’ve been working out at home while in quarantine and while I haven’t lost any weight I have gained muscle!! It’s been a “bonus” to this isolation!
Normally I walk a few miles a day so this period has been really tricky. I’m doing yoga in the evenings and just trying to get moving a little bit! I think I’ll try some apps to up the intensity a little.
Jess | https://jessrigg.com
Glad to see you’re still getting some exercise done even though you can’t go on your runs anymore! Luckily for me, home workouts have always been one of my fave ways to work out. I miss swimming though xx
Jazmin | https://www.jazminheavenblog.com
It sounds like you’re smashing it Weirdly I’m very motivated at this time!
Soph –
Oh I needed to see this today!
This whole situation has seriously put a hamper in my workout routine too. While I’m not a runner, I get a lot of my exercise from hiking with the pups. Unfortunately, the lockdown means we aren’t travelling to visit all our favourite hiking trails. Taking them for a short walk around town just isn’t doing it for me the same… it’s far less challenging on the body, so it just doesn’t compare. We’re all doing what we can to get through this (hopefully sooner rather than later). I’m glad you’ve been able to incorporate some running into your schedule, at least. Hopefully, you’ll be enjoying your long-distance running again soon!
We are members of David Lloyd and they have been great. Suspending membership costs and live streaming free workouts everyday in their app. That has kept us active. Along with nice walks.
GR | https://www.thegreat.uk
Having to stay at home has motivated me to do more cardio (weight lifting is my main type of exercise). I discovered a lady called Heather Robertson on YouTube. She has some brutal HIIT routines, both bodyweight and with weights. I’ll check out your suggestions, thanks, as I like trying out new ones 🙂
Great post! I’m such a trainers snob so your flowery trainers are like a dream to me!
Al x
I love all of these idea’s my lovely, thanks so much for sharing! I’m sending you so much love. Stay strong, stay home, stay safe.
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
My current workout routine is a combination of Yoga With Adriene, PopSugar fitness classes on YouTube and daily walks. The fitness classes are great and very similar to the ones I did at the gym, although I am starting to miss going swimming, I haven’t been in what feels like forever. It’s a great idea to bring your ‘Get Healthy With Me’ series back, I know I could use the extra motivation and encouragement! Thank you for sharing your recommendations Sophie, it’s always good to try alternatives to keep things fresh and interesting <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
love this post and your blog! I am also doing the same as you in terms of going outside. My usual run is along a canal path so that’s a no-go with social distancing as it is so narrow. Apptiv is keeping me going during this time, I think I am actually being more active now that I can’t go outside. Keep up the amazing work 🙂 x
I’m currently following online workout videos at the moment. With having a baby, I’ve managed to find workouts that involve him being in a baby carrier for some extra weight too!
Jess /
I feel so lucky that this whole situation isn’t as bad where I live in California, and my outdoors time isn’t limited, nor do I live in an overly populated neighbourhood where I have to really worry about coming close to people. I’ve been able to run outdoors and stick to my Nike Running Plan; the only thing is the stress the pavement puts on my shins :/ I love using Krissy Cela’s workouts that she posts on her Instagram for strength training!! She’s added a whole bunch of at-home variations recently as well. I’m really having to focus on my stretching as well, and it seems to be keeping what I like to call “onset shin splints” at bay :’) Best of luck as you try and stay healthy & keep fit through all of this xx