Exercise For You and Me

By Samantha De Leon

Many of us are stuck inside, patiently waiting for the nonessential businesses to open again. Gyms, workout studios, and recreation centers are closed, forcing us to come up with our own ideas on how to work out from home. At first, this idea may be intimidating or discouraging, but rest assured, staying healthy and in shape while quarantined is manageable. It can be done from wherever you are, requiring little to no equipment. You just need a positive attitude and the will to get up and move.

Now that we are approaching summer, the outdoors offers unlimited space. Outdoor exercises can be just as productive as indoor ones, and the best part is, you can smell the fresh air and feel the sunshine on your skin. Being outside boosts your energy levels and reduces stress. Walking, running, cycling, and hiking are some of the many cardio exercises you can do outside; all you need is a pair of tennis shoes.To add intensity to your workout, most parks have benches or a set of steps you can use to jump, lunge, or sprint on. 

If you don’t feel like going outside, your apartment or house can offer you just as much. There are a plethora of apps and YouTube channels that offer equipment-free, at-home workouts. Furthermore, if you are looking to build strength, basic equipment such as a yoga mat, dumbbells, and resistance bands can add an immense variability of movements and exercises. Even if you don’t have equipment, items like water bottles, laundry detergent, or canned goods are great makeshift weights.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure you do what you need in that moment. Whatever you choose to do for exercise should make you feel happy.  Most importantly, it should help you build emotional and mental strength along with physical strength.