#WellnessWednesday – How to stay fit while practicing social distancing

With social distancing in effect, gym closures and recreational activities on hold, many of us are looking for ways to stay active and where possible, avoid breaking our fitness routines.

So how can how can we take care of ourselves while practicing social distancing? We’ve created a list of tips intended to get you moving and remind you of ways, big and small, that you can stay fit from home! 

Tips to stay fit while practicing social distancing  

Explore at-home workouts.Take advantage of online exercise classes and workout apps – many of which are currently offering free access. If you have no experience performing these exercises, be cautious and aware of your own limitations and ease into your workouts. 

Schedule moving breaks. Short bouts of physical activity add up. Fit in 2, 5, 10 or 20 minutes, however and wherever you can. Every active minute counts! Take a 10-minute break from your day to be active. Dancing to your favorite song, playing with your children, cleaning and gardening are other means to stay active at home.

Stand up. Reduce your sedentary time by standing up whenever possible. Ideally, aim to interrupt sitting and reclining time every 30 minutes. Standing will counteract negative effects of sitting as well as creating a chance to refocus, refresh and increase productivity. Have an ironing board? We’ve seen those double as stand desks – have fun and be creative in your surroundings!  

Go for walks. Even in small spaces, walking around or walking on the spot can help you remain active. If you have a call, stand or walk around your home while you speak instead of sitting down. If you decide to go outside to walk or exercise, be sure to maintain an appropriate distance from other people. 

Get creative. Maybe working out from home isn’t for you. Why not try dancing to your favourite song, playing a game that gets you moving or running your stairs a couple of times. You can also get creative with your ‘gym equipment’ – in the absence of weights, soup cans or water bottles make a great replacement! Just remember to practice safe etiquette.   

In addition to these helpful tips, there are also several online resources available to guide us through sweat sessions and mental health breaks – and we want to know what’s been working for you. Share your favourite activity or can’t live without app in the comments below, or on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn using the hashtag #WellnessWednesday.