- Izzy La Rocca
Staying Active During Covid
COVID-19 has challenged us in all aspects of our lives: socially, mentally, & physically. Each aspect is important in its own special way! I want to focus on my experience with the physical side and how I changed my routine to stay active during this difficult time. I hope my journey can help you in some way:).
Many of you may be thinking of the various obstacles you are facing to stay active: no weights, no gym, poor weather, lack of money, lack of motivation, exhaustion, stress (just to name a few). I have been feeling a lot of these and I am sure you are too!
For me and for most women staying physically active allows us to handle life and therefore, be our happiest selves. I want to offer some tips, mindsets, and anything that’s helpful I have learned about working out in this pandemic!
When I say “staying physically active” I mean moving your body in whatever way YOU enjoy at whatever intensity that is right for YOU. I cannot sustain a workout routine if I dread every second before it and during. Of course, there are going to be days you lack the motivation to work out but know yourself. If you want to take a day off when you’re exhausted (do it!), if you know your workout could help turn your mood around (try your best to do something!). I have learned to be kind to myself and to plan my workouts ahead to maintain my motivation. Also, having a good relationship with working out can be difficult but remind yourself of the reasons why it benefits YOU! Setting an intention for a workout is a nice way to start it in a positive way.
The first thing I have added to my routine is morning walks (IK everyone is walking ALOT rn). Sitting in my room all day can make me feel insane sometimes. So waking up a little earlier and going for a 20-30 min morning walk has helped me de-stress and change my environment.
On the weekdays I normally workout in the afternoon and do: cardio kickboxing workouts (loving will link below), running (it is cold so layer up), and fun bootcamps/HITT workouts (I am lucky enough to have a set of weights but body weight is just as useful). I have been rotating these workouts for a while and I personally love them. When I finish a workout I love to stretch or do light yoga for stress relief and flexibility. On days I feel my body needs a break, I take a break. Rest days are always key.
Another way I stay active is by planning socially distanced weekend workouts with friends. Some fun ideas: hike with a friend, dancing, online workout classes, skiing(expensive but fun), ice skating outside, walks with a friend, snowshoeing. In warmer weather: swimming, biking, hiking, outdoor classes with friends, tennis, rock-climbing, and lacrosse have all kept me active and entertained. I find these types of activities are more mindless and exciting than a home workout.
I hope this gives you some ideas for the future! Everyone is different and finds joy from different activities. I find it SO important not to compare myself to another person, especially with social media. Try to focus on what works for you and stay open-minded to a new type of activity because it could be your new fave one! Have fun, Get creative:)
My go-to workouts! <3
Bootcamps & HITT:
40 min Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdpuZNvn1xk&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=12&t=2210s
30 minute no equipment HITT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWQGb4LyAM&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=11
30 minute full body workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2fFOsLdHwQ&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=1&t=22s
Arms and Abs:
15 minute (*amazing) arm and ab workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHVi2DViG-k&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=3&t=945s
Yoga & Stretching:
20 minute stress relief yoga & stretching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTANio_2E0Q&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=7&t=1125s
Cardio Kickboxing:
30 minute cardio kickboxing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oLg5fFe5ww&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=20&t=1741s
45 minute cardio kickboxing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuMDenIN5s8&list=PLhEVwERKEMmr3d87DsUk-955BWqz5oDNB&index=21
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