We’re in unprecedented times. Schedules are flipped upside down. Activities are canceled. Restaurants are limited service. And more importantly, gyms are now closed.

I’m a girl who loves routine. And part of my routine is fitness. If I don’t regularly exercise I can tell physically and emotionally. And when socially distancing – not leaving the house – I’m even more fearful of packing on the pounds!

I should stop here and say I’m not a licensed professional in anything: not fitness or medicine. I’m not an expert either. I’m just a mom who is stuck inside her house with three kids and needs creative ways to keep my body moving.

That’s what this post is about. The ways I’ve found to still get a good sweat going in the comfort of my own home. I hope you’ll add your favorites, too!

Here we go!

#1

Check with your local gym or studio

Although all gyms and fitness studios are required to be closed as of noon yesterday (in Iowa), many studios are offering online options. I work out at Uplift Fitness Studio in Grimes. Katie Crow, the owner, is offering her classes via Zoom, a video conferencing service. If you are not currently a member, there is a punch card option. I took a Zumba class with Molly this morning and it worked great! Find out more on the website at http://www.upliftfitnessstudio.com/ or the Facebook page here.

If your gym/studio is offering online options, please leave the information in the comments below! #supportyourlocalbusinesses

#2

Peloton App

I shared this app recently on my Friday Favorites here. It’s worth mentioning again because they are offering the app free to new customers for 90 days. If you have an exercise bike or treadmill at home, they have workouts you can use with them. I have a love/hate relationship with my treadmill, but the instructors make it *dare I say* fun? There are also a variety of strength, cardio, yoga, stretching, bootcamp, and meditation classes. Becs Gentry is my favorite instructor because she has a cute British accent and she talks the entire time which is awesomely distracting. You can find more information here.

#3

Down Dog App

I randomly came across this app on Facebook several days ago. I’m not much of a yoga person but they have several apps to choose from: Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout, all completely free until April 1st. I downloaded the barre app and did a class yesterday and it was really good!

Down Dog is also offering free access until July 1st for all students and teachers (K-12 and college). I love that! I also love that they didn’t ask for my credit card info so I know when the April 1st deadline hits for me (I’m not a student or a teacher), I won’t automatically be charged.

You can find more information about all Down Dog apps here.

#4

Amazon Prime Exercise Videos

If you are an Amazon Prime member, a friend just posted on Facebook that there are amazing workout videos free to members! After some investigative research, search under Movies and TV, and under popular genres, there is an Exercise & Fitness category – with hundreds of options to choose from! There are videos to do with your kids (Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventures), and a variety of categories to fit your needs! Hooray for Amazon!!

#5

Home DVD Collection

Time to dust off those old DVD’s, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy doing them! Bonus points if you have a “Buns of Steel” VHS featuring Tamilee Webb. P90X or Insanity would be a great option to keep you on a schedule. Below is my collection, don’t act like you’re not impressed.

#6

Hit the Stairs!

My kids were playing a game involving metal balls being thrown down the basement stairs at a target. It kept them happy for an hour so however odd it seems it’s a win for me! Anyway, my son kept running up and down the stairs (he was the designated ball retriever, well played girls) and after his 400th trip he said, wow, going up and down stairs is a great workout! Yes it is son, yes it is.

#7

The Great Outdoors

I wasn’t sure if I should add this one because there are mixed feelings about it. If it’s safe for you and depending on where you live, a brisk walk, run, or bike ride in the fresh air is so good for your soul! Use discretion.

#8

Just Dance!

Whether you dust off your 2015 Just Dance Wii disks or find a video online, have a dance party! My daughter’s dance studio shared a post from Debbie Allen who will be holding a live dance class TODAY at 3pm. It is so much fun to just move your body and have a silly time with your family. Bonus points if you have a strobe light!

Again, I’m not a fitness professional but my keys to success will be setting a regular time to exercise, planning ahead so I know what workout I’m going to do, and drinking a TON of water! Oh, and washing my hands. Because – have you heard – that is the key to success in our world right now for EVERYONE.

If you’ve forgotten how to properly wash your hands, I’m watching this tutorial daily. Oh shoot, I gave up sarcasm for Lent. Sorry Jesus. But it’s Hugh. #quarantinegrace

That’s all I have! I’m excited to hear YOUR ideas and how you are exercising while at home. Please comment below!

Until Next Time,

Neko