Being in the midst of a global pandemic, many gyms are closed. But this doesn’t mean you can’t still work out! I’m here to give you some of my, as well as our peers’, favorite workout alternatives while being stuck at home. These are just some recommendations based on the workouts I have done, as well as those other students are utilizing. This includes a variety of forms of exercise such as cardio, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength and conditioning, and targeted muscle toning.

The first method is simply going for a run or long walk. This is a good way to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and get that heart rate up. If you are just beginning to run, start out slow by running a mile and walking a mile, and then slowly increase your distance and have a greater run to walk ratio. Another fun way to keep you motivated is to track your mile time, and try to slowly decrease your time. You can do this by using an Apple Watch, Fitbit, or another fitness band, or apps such as Map My Run that can be downloaded onto your phone. Or you can go on a long 4-5 mile walk with a family member or your dog–it burns calories just as well! I personally enjoy and find it effective to start out my workout with the cardio of a one and a half to two-mile run, and then combine it with two to three HIIT or targeted muscle toning workout videos. But by no means is that necessary, you do what is best for you and what you most enjoy.

Another alternative is high-intensity interval training and muscle toning workout videos. You can access these for free on Youtube and Instagram. There are many fitness social media influencers with a wide variety of videos, allowing you to find what is best for you. Some popular fitness YouTubers include Chloe Ting, Sydney Cummings, and Pamela Reif. Sydney Cummings has a great selection of HIIT and cardio videos ranging from 10-60 minutes. These videos really get your heart rate up and get a great sweat going. They are easy and accessible and there are so many options. Another fitness influencer is Chloe Ting, whose videos are also on Youtube, and are shorter and more targeted workouts than Cummings’. She has playlists combining 4-5 videos for a full workout, or you can combine your own selection of videos.

Finally, create your own workout plan. This can be a fun way to customize your workouts based on what is best and most effective for you. This can include circuit workouts, weight training (depending on what you have access to), or whatever else you desire. I recommend making sure you complete a balance of cardio and targeted workouts for the best results. For some people, one quick ab combination may be the perfect workout, but for others, it is not enough. It is important you listen to your body and do what is best for you.

None of these are necessary for maintaining fitness in quarantine, just some recommendations based on workouts some peers and I have found to be useful and effective. Start out slow if you are just beginning, combine cardio and muscle toning exercises and make sure to always stay hydrated, fuel your body with good foods, and most importantly have fun with it!