Everything You Need To Know About Staying Fit In Quarantine
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Everything You Need To Know About Staying Physically And Mentally Fit In Quarantine

It's a pandemic, show yourself a little grace.

820
Everything You Need To Know About Staying Physically And Mentally Fit In Quarantine

We've been stuck in our homes for a good while now, thanks to coronavirus's (COVID-19) hold on the world.

While some of us are remaining in a shelter in place atmosphere, many states are looking at reopening in phases. These phases are a little different depending on what state you're looking at, but one thing is almost certain — that spin studio you spend too much time at may not be able to reopen in phase one.

Even though the federal phasing guidelines allow gyms to partially open with strict physical distancing and sanitation measures, many gyms may not be able to adhere to the initial reopening rules. Fitness studios mean a lot of sweat, and it's not a stretch to assume that all those germs can carry all those germs we've spent hours inside avoiding!


That being said, we spent the month of April figuring out how to stay fit while stuck in our homes, and we'll probably spend May doing the same thing.

Some of us are deciding that now is the time to become the runner they've always dreamed of being, while others are laying on the couch wondering where they can find the motivation to do that IGTV yoga class their favorite instructor is hosting. We're all in the same boat, though everyone's facing wildly different experiences.

For individuals who have grown to enjoy home workouts, this next month is sure to build on whatever momentum they've gained in April. By now they've purchased everything they need for their home gym set up, whether they went all out or stuck to a very zen little yoga corner. Chances are high they have a schedule of some sort, follow their favorite SoulCycle instructor on Instagram, and are taking the world by storm with new fitness goals.

Then there is the group of individuals who feel the weight of the world on their shoulders as soon as they begin to think about home workouts — or how their body should be "improving" with this new opportunity they've been presented. For individuals who are recovering from eating disorders, experiencing debilitating body dysmorphia, and just trying to free themselves of the mental war that can too easily come with free time and a mirror, all this discussion of staying fit during quarantine can imply they aren't doing enough.

Then again, many of us are in the middle of these two extremes, just taking it one day at a time.

No matter what your experience with staying fit during quarantine has been, you're not the only one. This global crisis has shed light on many things, one of which is how things can go downhill as soon as we're left alone with our thoughts and without our normal busy-ness. There is a big adjustment period that will likely have an impact far after quarantine is lifted. Maybe that impact is that you've realized how an 8 a.m. Pilates video can turn your day around. Maybe that impact is body image insecurities that you have to deal with instead of shoving them back down where they came from.

Staying fit during quarantine doesn't just mean shedding an inch around your waist. Staying fit during an unprecedented time means doing what YOU need to do for YOUR body, no matter what those Instagram influencers and their detox teas say. As I'm sure you've heard, global pandemics don't happen every day, so there isn't really a wrong answer. We love to see Amazon carts full of gym equipment, but health can also mean reading a new body-positive book or practicing some creative "me time." It's a pandemic, after all — we're all just doing our best for our health and the health of others.

As an Amazon Affiliate partner, Odyssey may earn a portion of qualifying sales.

Report this Content
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

46429
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

119988
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments