Keep Fit From Home

By Lindsay Byrka, Vice President, Immix Group: An Employee Benefits Company

We hope you’re staying home if possible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay active! As benefits consultants, it’s one of our goals to assist our clients in promoting physical and mental well-being; staying active is a key component of this.

As you are aware, with the COIVD-19 situation, gyms and fitness studios have closed for in-person visits. However, there are a wealth of resources online offering both paid and free workouts, some from your favourite local spots. Many offer a community environment, so you can not only break a sweat, you can feel connected!

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some resources. We encourage you to support Canadian companies if you can!

•  Check out Hustle, a local Vancouver-based studio that has gone virtual to accommodate those trying to keep fit from home. The coaches are amazing, and the workouts will challenge you in the best way. https://247.hustleup.ca/
•  Like to dance? Formation Studio, based in Vancouver, is streaming their dance-based workouts live on Instagram. Absolutely free and absolutely fun! https://www.instagram.com/formationstudio_/
•  Victoria-based Do Yoga With Me is an online yoga studio and they are offering access for free, for a 2 month period. https://www.doyogawithme.com/
•  CBC has posted a list of free, no-equipment required online fitness classes: https://www.cbc.ca/life/wellness/these-are-the-free-no-equipment-online-fitness-classes-you-need-right-now-1.5500751
•  As well, CBC has compiled a list of workouts that use very little equipment, perhaps just a resistance band: https://www.cbc.ca/life/wellness/got-resistance-bands-just-a-kettlebell-these-workout-videos-use-the-fitness-gear-you-might-have-at-home-1.5518000
•  Lastly, Canada’s Flare magazine has also created a list of Canadian gyms offering online workouts: https://www.flare.com/health/gyms-offering-free-workouts/
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Once you’ve decided which workouts you want to do, you’ll need to optimize your sweat-from-home plan. Here are some tips:

Figure out the best space to use.
You want to ensure you have room to move, and that you’re not going to be knocking over a lamp, or accidentally lunging into your coffee table. Clear a space, and gather any equipment you may need.

Figure out the best time.
If you live in an apartment, you may need to consider your neighbours (you don’t want your downstairs neighbour to be bothered by your jumping!). Plan a schedule that works around your work-from-home schedule, and try to stick to it! Scheduling reminders into your phone will help you stay on track.

Use the right gear.
You may or may not need shoes (and are they clean?!) depending on your workout. Based on your workout, a yoga mat, light weights or a stretch band may be all that is required. If you don’t have these items, don’t worry. There are many options for equipment-free workouts. Or, get creative and check out some ideas for DIY options: https://www.shape.com/fitness/gear/cheap-homemade-weights?slide=1bca6ca1-d936-4a2f-8ed3-06fb8d24bbef#1bca6ca1-d936-4a2f-8ed3-06fb8d24bbef

Whatever your workout, water is essential!

Warm up & Stretch.
Even if you’re working out in front of the TV or laptop, take the time to warm up for a few minutes, in case your virtual workout doesn’t include this aspect. Stretching either before, after or both is also very important. The last thing you want to have happen during this situation of self-isolation is an injury! If you’re not sure where to begin, there are a wealth of YouTube videos with simple warm-up and stretch routines. 

Lastly, involve your friends and family!
Why not make it a date? Your kids, spouse or friends (joining you virtually, of course) will all benefit from working out, just as you will. In this time when we’re all ‘alone together,’ finding things we can share is very important in maintaining our social connections.

Part of staying not just physically healthy but mentally healthy is keeping active. Although it’s harder now than ever, it’s also more important than ever.

From all of us at the Immix Group, stay safe, stay home, and stay active!