7 Tips For Keeping Fit While In Lockdown
After a few weeks at home routine activities – like working out regularly – can become a challenge. Hollywood’s go-to celebrity trainer shares tips with Bazaar on how to stay motivated and active while in insolation
As days pass in isolation it gets harder and harder to stay strong, not only emotionally but also when it comes to our physical well-being.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia chatted to celebrity trainer and CEO of Lagree Fitness centres, Sebastien Lagree – who trains the likes of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Meghan Markle and Michelle Obama – to find out exactly how to stay motivated, healthy and fit while we’re all stuck at home.
1| Keep Your Training Routines Regular By Sticking To A Schedule
“I would recommend starting with a short workout. 10 to 25 minutes, until you get in the habit of training. Once you get comfortable, you can start building up the time and intensity of your workouts,” Sebastien said.
Taking it easy at first will gradually build up your motivation and stamina.
2| Try the “Plank Challenge”
Anyone can do this exercise at home. Challenge yourself by trying to beat your previous time when holding the plank position; you’ll see some excellent results when it comes to toning up your ab’s. You can also try different versions of this exercise once you’ve achieve your initial goals.
3| Give Yourself An Incentive To Workout
“Reward yourself for getting the job done. Whether you’re motivated by the fact that you have brownies in the fridge you want to ‘earn’, or treat yourself to a Netflix binge session, get the workout done and hold yourself accountable,” Sebastien explains.
4| Indulge On Occasion And Opt For Healthier Options
During times of uncertainty, many people stock up on groceries – including junk food, which means we’re more likely to “treat” ourselves more often than not while isolating at home.
Sebastien recommends that you “substitute almond butter for peanut butter, cauliflower-based pasta instead of carbohydrates, sugar-free ice cream or even skinny popcorn.” These will satisfy your cravings but won’t hold you back from staying in shape and healthy. “Find a happy medium,” Sebastien said.
It’s important to indulge occasionally, but if you really need to have a ‘cheat-day’ go right ahead and don’t feel guilty about it. Figuring out a comfortable balance between eating healthy and having the odd treat is better for both your physical and mental health.
5| Stay Virtually Connected With Your Fitness Buddies
“You can work out online together through Zoom, FaceTime or Instagram Live, just get creative with it and make it fun. Do online classes simultaneously and challenge each other the same way you would in person,” Sebastien said.
If working out alone seems quite boring, try a virtual options to get your workout done with a friend or watch a livestream class. You won’t feel alone and it will definitely boost the fun factor.
6| Mix-Up Your Workout Routines
Try out different workouts and mix it up with new routines, so you don’t get bored.
7| Embrace Self-Care And Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself
Mental health is as important as physical health, so be sure you’re taking care of your mind as much as you take care of your body.
“If staying active for you means taking a 30-minute walk, that’s great. If you want to sweat though a weight class, do your thing,” Sebastien said. “ Whatever gets your heart racing and makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something you should be proud of.”
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/Joja
