With the
shelter-in-place affecting a lot of our routines, staying fit and in shape has
become more of a challenge. Aside from the temptation to Netflix and binge eat,
not all of us have the equipment to work out with, or have a lot of ideas on
where to get started. Take a look at how you can keep fit and continue
exercising even while at home!

Try Virtual

If you are
used to having someone guide you through the motions, there are plenty of
options and apps where you can have a virtual trainer to help keep you on
track. We love Tone It Up, which offer free
workouts and meditations in their app, plus the website also provides nutrition plans,
recipes you can use, as well as weekly scheduled workouts. This
one-stop-fitness shop even features an online store where you can purchase meal
plans as well as fitness apparel and accessories. Want to find the best app for
you? Check out these other options
for online fitness programs.

Go for A Walk

Walking is
an underrated exercise, but it is a highly effective physical activity, and may
be as good a workout as running. Apart from being a lower impact exercise, it can
be done for longer periods of time compared to running. Researchers also
compared the results
from the National Runners’ Health Study with the National Walkers’ Health Study
and they found that the energy used for moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity
running resulted in similar reductions in risk for high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease over the study’s six year period. If
you’re within walking distance of Marin’s
many beautiful hiking areas, make use of these spots for your daily trek! No
open areas nearby? Check out this YouTube channel
by Leslie Sansone, which features quick routines you can do even in small
spaces.

Get on the Mat

The Yoga mat
that is. One of the best exercise option for beginners, yoga is offers multiple
benefits for any age and level, including improving flexibility, building
muscle strength, and increasing blood flow. One study also found that a
consistent yoga practice improved depression and led to a significant increase
in serotonin levels and a decrease in the levels of monoamine oxidase and
cortisol. There are a number of yoga
apps like Glo which you can download to help
you get started on your “om”-azing journey. Some Marin County yoga studios like
Marin Power Yoga and Embrace Yoga Marin also offer
online classes and live streaming videos.

Dance
Your Heart Out

If you like
moving to the beat, dancing is a fun and entertaining way to burn calories and
get your heart rate going. Find music you like and put your dancing shoes on with
your loved ones. Since you’ll be dancing from the comforts of your home, you
don’t need to worry or be conscious about missing steps as well. RoCo Dance offers online
classes you can sign up with and join through their live streaming program.
Want to give dancing a try before signing up for anything? Check out this 30-minute
Zumba Routine.