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During this time of social distancing and self-quarantine, one of the hardest parts is not being able to move and sweat. All of the regular fitness studios that I attend have shut down until further notice. And rightfully so! I am happy that NYC has shut down gyms, bars, restaurants, and other social gatherings. We need to stop the coronavirus from continuing to spread, and grabbing a beer with your friends is not as important as saving someone’s life. Still, it doesn’t make it easy being cooped up in your home for days, not knowing when this will all end. I don’t know the next time I will be able to step foot in a dance cardio or yoga class. It could be a week from now or a month. That is a whole month without working out. My body, mind, soul, and attitude can not handle it. Sure I am taking walks once a day to get out of the house, get fresh air, and exercise (I also use a route where on a normal NYC day would only have 3 people on it).
Luckily I have a few fitness equipment at home- bands, weights, yoga mat, and foam roller – so I can continue getting some sort of workout. Even if it is only for 20 mins. If you do not have workout equipment, no worries! You can still practice yoga without a mat, use canned foods for weights, and even your suitcase to move– see my friend Sarah for how to. This is the time to get creative with our at-home workouts. But it’s more than just working out I am missing, it’s the community. The “we are all dying together” camaraderie. The friendly hello from your workout buddy. Even the competitive push from those around you to keep going. This is why it is the best time to take full advantage of at-home workouts. You are still moving, not missing your favorite class, and you have the instructor cheering you on as if she/he is there in the room with you. If you are looking for at-home workouts here is a list of some of my favorites. And it just so happens that most, if not all of them are giving away a week to a month for free!
Obé Fitness is a live and on-demand fitness website. They offer a variety of classes ranging from yoga to dance cardio to sculpt to boxing to HIIT to meditation and more. You can do a quick 10-minute arm exercise or an hour full-body class. They also have classes for pre and postnatal, kids, and advance. Use code ONTHEGO for a 30-day free trial.
If you have been following me for a while now then you have seen my DanceBody posts. I miss my DB family right now! I love learning new dances and perfecting them. They are so fun to do! This is a great time to dance like no one is watching… because no one is. DB also offers sculpt classes which is a great full-body workout that uses light weights, ankle weights, and bands. Although no worries if you do not have any of the above, it’s a great workout with or without the equipment. Use code DBATHOME for 50% off your first month.
System of Strength is my go-to fitness studio when I am back home in Columbus, Ohio. When I had my little hiccup of living back in Ohio I went to SOS religiously, and honestly, I was in the best shape of my life. They have workouts from HIIT to strength to sculpt to cardio to yoga. If you want a hard but rewarding workout this is for you! 30-day free trial.
I LOVE Megan Roup’s class! It’s a mixture of sculpt and dance cardio. The combination of switching between strength and cardio really gets your heart pumping. We usually use ankle weights and light hand weights for her class, but this is another one that you do not need weights at all to get a great workout. Right now she is offering 14 days free (for new members), so definitely take advantage of this while you can! It’s fun, hard, and result-driven!
Amanda Kloots has the positive attitude and great workouts you need right now. From her AKDance to AKBody to AKRope Amanda will get your heart pumping while having a fun time. If you have a jump rope lying around your house, go and grab it for AKRope for strength and cardio mix. AKBody is all about sculpting with no weights necessary. AKDance, my personal favorite, is fun, energetic dances that you can’t help but smile while doing it. She also offers prenatal classes that tailers to whether you are in your 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester. Free for 7-days.
PopSugar workouts are for free! No trail runs or signing up. You can find anything and everything on their fitness youtube channel. From a quick 10-minute ab workout to an hour HIIT class they have all that you are looking for.