10 Tools For a Smarter, More Efficient Workout

With social distancing the new norm in most countries now, no thanks to Coronavirus, people have been staying away from gyms and indoor sports complexes. Fitness buffs and gym rats will no longer be able to do stuff that they used to do at the gym – no treadmill, air-walking, weight lifting, kickboxing and no Zumba, yoga or dancing in a group. People have quickly looked for alternatives for home workouts so that they can still remain active during the massive lockdown imposed by Governments.

When you’re social distancing, you don’t have to be stuck in a rut at home. If you are allowed out of the house but social distancing must be in place, there are still plenty of great activities to do, even within your neighborhood. A relaxing bike ride on your bicycle for short adults or bicycle for tall riders, jogging, walking your dog, gardening and tennis are some of the activities that can be carried out that do not involve physical contact.

Here are 10 great tools for a smarter, more efficient workout that you can do while practicing social distancing:

1. Smart phone

With a smart phone or android phone, there are thousands of workout apps that you can download onto your phone from the App Store and Google Play Store. Choose those that are made by qualified professionals with a real understanding of what makes a workout safe and effective.

2. Bicycle

Outside of your home, you can hop onto one of those lightweight bikes for adults to bring you around to do your shopping for essential items. If you’re in the essential services sector, you can even cycle to work to get your dose of daily workout.

3. Free Weights

Free weights such as a barbell or dumbbell are effective tools that you can use to work and tone your arms, back and abs.

4. Yoga Mat

There are tons of home exercises that you can do on your yoga mat that give you great workout – yoga, pilates, pushups, lower abdomen exercises, bodyweight squats, planks and much more.

5. Trampoline

According to researches, working out on a trampoline provides an equally effective calorie burn and cardio boost as running and it feels easier and way more fun!

6. Skipping Rope

Skipping rope is a great form of cardio especially when you’re stuck indoors. A mere 10 minutes of jumping rope has been found to be similar to 30 minutes of jogging!

7. Medicine Ball

Also known as an exercise ball, a med ball, or a fitness ball is a weighted ball roughly the diameter of the shoulders (approx. 13.7 inches). Medicine balls can help improve muscular power and sports performance

8. Resistance Bands

Pulling these giant rubber bands apart in different ways will work your entire body and give you a good workout and sweat. The bands can be hung from doors, looped around chairs or looped on any sturdy frame.

9. Bulgarian bag

This half-moon shaped bag typically filled with sand is a versatile tool for muscular endurance and general fitness, targeting the legs, shoulders, core, upper back, triceps, biceps and forearms.

10 Stationary bike

While bicycles for tall riders can be used outdoors on good weathered days, a stationary bike at home is perfect on wet and cold days. Stationary bikes work your arms and legs by replicating a bicycle ride at different levels of resistance.