Keeping Up with Fitness with 5 simple steps

This World Health Day, as we find ourselves in the middle of one of the fiercest pandemics of the modern age, staying fit might not be the first thing on your mind. While we step up the fight against COVID-19 and adjust to our new home bound ways of life, it doesn’t mean that we have to compromise on staying fit just because the gym is closed. 

Five simple steps you can take to stay fit and healthy during these pressing times

Make it a ‘water’ful life!- The importance of staying hydrated at work can’t be stressed enough. Staying hydrated helps keep all your body’s internal processes to stay smooth and on the clock. Try to carry your own personal water bottle with you at all times. Definitely keep one at your work desk and refill it regularly. While the ‘8 glasses per day’ rule works for some people, some people might require a little less or a little more based on a number of factors. If you’re finding it hard to form a hydration habit, you could try using one of several apps and trackers. 

Make a trade – Considering that you’re spending long spells of time at home mostly consuming home-cooked food already, this should be a tiny step that goes a long way. Make a conscious choice to swap out all junk food in the house for healthy junk food alternatives. Love the crunch of chips? Swap them out for carrots! Like to nibble on some sweet stuff while you work away? Try grapes! Making a few smart choices while stocking up on your groceries can go a long way. 

Find home alternatives for your workouts– Use a few clever hacks to substitute your existing workout with smart indoor alternatives. A walk or a jog may not be feasible right now but you could skip rope instead or try a staircase workout to make up for cardio. If you don’t have access to weights, you can use a bucket of water and adjust the water level to meet your required weight class. Try switching to a workout that doesn’t rely on equipment like yoga or isometric exercises. 

Workout buddies make workouts better– Since going to the gym is not the best idea at this point, you could try getting yourself a virtual workout buddy! A workout buddy helps you stay motivated and can be a great pick-me-up on those occasional lazy days. He/she can be the difference between a lazy day turning into a fit and healthy one or a cheat day! Find a friend with a similar workout routine and pitch the idea. You could connect over a video call and even share workout playlists to keep things fresh!

The rest matters too!– One thing that often gets underplayed in many fitness ready-reckoners is the importance of rest and good sleep. The right amount of sound sleep is important to allow the body and the mind to recover. Getting six to eight hours of sleep at a regular time helps you stay alert and focused, regulates your circadian rhythm (the body’s biological clock), helps with muscle and tissue regrowth, and even regulates your hormones. Try and get a full spell of adequate sleep at the same time every day. Also, remember to take a break and not burn yourself out. Working out every day without accommodating for a rest day can do more harm than good. 

Do you have some other insightful fitness tips to share with your fellow BYJUites? Tell us in the comments below.