As crazy as it may seem, it’s now been nearly five months since gyms had to shut their doors because of the global pandemic. Maybe you’ve perfected your contact-free, solo workout routine by now, or maybe you haven’t thought about working out since making (and forgetting about) your New Year’s resolutions. These tips for perfecting your quarantine-friendly workout routine can help you out regardless of which boat you’re in because the importance of maintaining your physical fitness can never be overstated. Not only is it good for your body, but it also has amazing benefits for your mental health!

Work exercising into your daily schedule

A workout routine is exactly that — a routine. This means you need to make time to exercise regularly. It’s important to remember that just as you took time to go to the gym or play a sport before quarantine, you need to make time now. If you think about it, you may even need less time now, given that you’re probably exercising at or starting from your house. Maybe you wake up half an hour earlier to do a class online before starting your day, maybe you take a phone call while on a walk or maybe you go for a run at the end of the day. Whatever it is, ensuring that you have a distinct part of your day set aside to get outside is the first step to creating a solid workout routine.

Explore different online exercise classes

It’s no secret that YouTube holds an answer for nearly everything in our world today, exercise included! You can find a YouTube video for every type of workout you could imagine. That’s not to mention the offerings from our very own Recreational Sports Facility, which include both on-demand and live exercise classes. Even if you’re not typically one for group exercise or exercise classes, trying out online offerings can help you get started by giving you some direction and inspiration.

Set reasonable expectations for yourself

Even professional athletes take the occasional day off. Expecting yourself to work out every single day will set you on a path toward disappointment, which will then cause you to lose your motivation. Embrace your body’s need to recover by working rest days and easier days into your schedule. Setting reasonable expectations for yourself will set you on a path toward success and satisfaction!

Get creative

Your workout routine is bound to be different from whatever it is you used to do. Getting creative with it is therefore imperative. Try out a new type of workout (no one can see you anyway!), use water bottles or heavy backpacks for weights and switch up the types of exercise you do. Doing the same thing every day will put you in a rut, so let your creative juices flow!

While we’re no fitness experts, we at the Clog nonetheless hope these tips help you create or refine your home workout routine!