At home, sweat it out

Mona

Never thought one day I will have to avoid going to the gym in order to stay healthy... the message is one of the #Corona forwards that rings true for many out there. While it’s rather difficult to give up any routine, worst sufferers are ‘exercisoholics’, who are missing their scheduled sets more than ever before.

A known fitness fanatic, Katrina Kaif has hit the roof, literally, by posting a video of exercises that she asserts are bound to build immunity and keep you happy in such tense times. She lists six sets — squat & side leg; reverse lunge — three sets x 15 reps, sit-ups, push-ups, planks and mountain climbers, while also sharing videos of the same as an online tutorial. One can sure pick up some inspiration for home work-outs!

Yoga to the rescue

Fitness trainer Aman lists Suryanamaskar as one’s best bet. “Any age-group can do it, any time of the day. Not only it’s great for one’s physical health, but also mental.” This yoga asana finds a follower in Jacqueline Fernandez, who posted a video where she is doing Suryanamsakar at home. She captioned it as, “This is one Suryanamaskar, 20 mins you can do 20 and it’s a great workout! I do 108... yoga to the rescue!”

Time for Tabata

While this high-intensity interval training was devised by Dr. Izumi Tabata and his team for time-crunched professionals in 1990s, one can use the same to stay fit now. Eight rounds of ultra-high-intensity exercises in a specific 20-seconds-on, 10-seconds-off interval — this is one fast calorie-burner that one can also follow on YouTube.

Groove with Zumba

An excellent cardio work-out, it’s time to move to the beats of Zumba for much needed boost to body and mind. “While in times like this one will miss the social vibe that Zumba offers, it still remains a great calorie-burner and de-stressor within the confines of the home,” says Priya, a Zumba instructor. “Mind you, exercising builds immunity, which is need of the hour, and releases endorphins that trigger happy feelings,” adds Priya.

Bring the rope out

Naina Grover, fitness trainer, makes a case for bringing out the good-old skipping rope. “Skipping is one easy and fun work-out that one can enjoy with children.” Right from using your toddlers as weights for squats to push ups, she advises that parents should engage kids in their work-outs while having some fun on the side.

Apps save the day

If motivation is what you lack, choose an app to get you going. Lose weight, burn fat, build muscle and strength; apps will help you all the way. “Right from focusing on the specific body parts to the calories spent, figure out an app that goes well with priorities,” says fitness enthusiast Jatin.

Walk with caution

If home or the rooftop doesn’t work for you, there is the good-old walk or run, but Naina wants you to practice caution — avoid crowded parks, maintain distance from fellow walkers, ensure you wash your hands properly and change the gear once you come home.”

Let the lockdown not mess with your fitness goals; make home your new gym!