5 ways to exercise safely and smartly in Covid-19 winter

While winter may not let us get out of the bed to train, fear of Covid-19 has also dampened our plans to workout. Here’s how to beat them all.
exercise
Exercise and yoga are equally important. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shifa Khan Published: 4 Feb 2022, 17:09 pm IST
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Even the most motivated people can be bogged down with the weather when the winter sets in. Let alone exercising, even to get the body moving could be a daunting task for some. On the other hand, the buzzkill called Covid-19 has made our fit bod dreams, well, dreams!

With half of the gyms closed and the feet numbing chills, exercising daily becomes a deadlift, literally. Not to forget the high infection rate of the Omicron variant, which poses another threat to your own health and your loved ones.

To help us out beat the winter lethargy and the looming danger of Covid-19, Spoorthi, a fitness expert at Cult.fit, spoke to HealthShots. She suggested some at-home fitness practices that will help keep you in your best shape.

How to exercise safely during the Covid-19 winter:

1. Just start with the warm up

Warming up acts as a trigger for your exercise. Even on days when you do not feel like working out, just starting off your day with a few basic dynamic stretches. It tells the body that it’s time to get moving. Furthermore, warm up helps increase the body temperature gradually and prepare it for the workout while cutting the risk of injuries.

staircase workout
Climbing stairs is one of the way to warm up faster. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Stay active throughout the day

While the dedicated workout time is important, being on the go during the day is too. “Doing household chores, taking a walk at home, even dancing like no one is watching are a few things that you can do to work on your body.”, says Spoorthi. Try to walk around when you’re attending your online work meeting. It counts too!

3. Practice breathing and meditation

Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you remain calm and also aid in recovery. They can also help improve lung function and may help you be less susceptible to the symptoms of Covid-19. These mindful practices relax your brain and stimulate happy hormones.

how to meditate
Focusing while meditating ‌isn’t‌ ‌as‌ ‌difficult‌ ‌as‌ ‌you‌ ‌think.‌ ‌Image‌ ‌courtesy:‌ ‌Shutterstock‌

4. Subscribe to an online class

With gyms and fitness centers shut, joining an online fitness class may help. It may be a pre-recorded follow along class or something that’s instructor led. Schedule your classes in advance and show up each day. If you workout with a group, this will help keep everyone motivated! If you’re someone who prefers to workout on their own, a pre-recorded session gives you all the liberty to be comfortable and yet get that workout done.

5. Explore variations

For both food and nutrition – explore your options. While doing the same thing repeatedly is good for progression, it might sometimes be a good idea to shake things up. Look for more varieties of workout options, or maybe even healthier food options. Your diet and workout are like Monica and Rachel, they stick together!

They say when life gives you lemons, you make a lemonade. Well ladies, don’t let anything drift you from your fitness goals. Brace yourself from Covid-19 and cold, but buckle up, Buttercup!

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About the Author

An aesthete and a skincare junkie, Shifa spends most of her time cooking delish food while wearing a sheet mask. At HealthShots, she creates high-octane content that can leave you all a little intrigued! ...Read More

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