The ongoing pandemic has had a huge impact on the world around us. The impact is not the same in all countries, though - in Europe, many of them are easing restrictions, reopening bars, restaurants, pubs, and gyms, even cinemas. In other areas, things are not looking this good, with the number of cases still growing fast, and no relaxation is in sight. And people there are still stuck at home.
The longer the lockdown lasts, the longer gyms are closed, the longer we’re stuck at home with little more to do than sitting in front of a big-screen TV or a computer, binge-watching Netflix and ordering food instead of eating out. And the larger our bellies can grow because of our greatly reduced workouts.
But there are ways in which you can stay fit even on the longest lockdown in our recent history. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to invest in a Peloton to do so.
Portion control
There are two key factors to keep in mind when it comes to fitness: what goes in, and what goes out. Your body is an incredibly complex machine but there are some pretty simple and straightforward rules it obeys. One of them is that the more fuel you put in it, the more it will keep in reserve - as fat.
So, if you want to keep your waistline from gaining inches, you’ll need to watch how much fuel you put into your body - how much you eat. This is especially important during these trying times filled with stress-inducing news - stress-eating is a thing, and it can affect any of us if we’re not careful.
So, using smaller plates, and always keeping an eye on how much of you eat (including those snacks while binge-watching Warrior Nun) is the first step to keeping yourself lean and eating healthy while on lockdown.
Simple yet effective exercises
The other part of the equation has to do with the energy you spend each day. When you’re stuck at home, you tend to take it easy. And in time, all this “dolce far niente” starts to show. But you can prevent it by doing simple exercises that don’t require much space or investment.
Simple bodyweight exercises are perfect for a home workout. Everyone has heard of pushups, sit-ups, and squats - you can mix in chest lifts, planks, and their likes. Perhaps this is the perfect time to pick up yoga - there are plenty of tutorials fit for beginners and more advanced practitioners of this ancient art.
And most importantly, don’t let go. In these trying times, giving in to the temptation of sitting on the couch all day, binge-watching Warrior Nun on Netflix and filling yourself up with snacks between meals. And know that this, too, will end.
