I am usually a very active and outdoorsy person. However, given the current global health crisis and the restrictions that had been put in place, I found myself slacking off and eating anything and everything to drown my sorrows away. Every night before I went to bed, I would tell myself that I would wake up the next day and do an activity, go for a run or follow one of the numerous YouTube fitness tutorials, but I struggled to find the motivation. Since the lockdown was implemented, procrastination was the name of the game. Then about a week ago, I woke up feeling motivated and energised, and the bright sunny day helped me get out of bed as well. I decided to go for a run/walk and since then I have been able to stay active and now, I’ve found myself getting back on track.
So, what changed?
I believe I just needed a couple of days to reflect on the situation and the pandemic that had consumed our lives. Like so many others, I believe I was feeling depressed from not being able to meet my friends and not being able to fly back home to be with my family. However, once I had accepted the situation for it was, I decided that I wasn’t going to let a minuscule life form define my livelihood and my health. Those who live in Uni Accommodation will know that space is very limited and therefore, I began my search for a routine that I could carry out in that space. In the meantime, I engaged in a daily run or a bike ride in and around Clifton, gradually increasing the intensity of my short outdoor activities.
Eventually, my search for a decent and acceptable fitness routine paid off and I came across a couple of channels that I highly recommend. These workouts are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space to workout or any equipment to play with (I.e weights, stretch bands) or if you’re simply just trying to ignite/reignite your passion for fitness and get on track to keeping healthy during these times of restriction.
Chloe Ting’s workouts
Eventually, my search for a decent and acceptable fitness routine paid off and I came across a couple of channels that I highly recommend. These workouts are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space to workout or any equipment to play with (I.e weights, stretch bands) or if you’re simply just trying to ignite/reignite your passion for fitness and get on track to keeping healthy during these times of restriction.
Chloe Ting’s workouts and fitness routines are perfect if you want a quick high-intensity session. Almost all of her workouts require 0 equipment and as a bonus, she does all the workouts with you. Therefore, the workouts don’t feel as long as you think they are. The average workout lasts around 15 minutes and the session flies by. Because the workouts are short, I find myself doing one of them every morning as I wake up, and after a quick sweat, I pop straight into the shower. She has a ton of videos that you can choose from and they are always super informative and simple to follow. In addition, she also has diet suggestions and meal plans that you could implement towards a healthier lifestyle.
Chloe is great for those just starting out, but if you’re looking for something more intense or you want to take it a step up, this next channel is another great option!
OFFICIALTHENX
This channel, hosted by Chris Heria, also has high-intensity routines similar to Chloe’s. The workouts require minimal to no equipment, you will need just the sliver of space and you can follow the session along with Chris. However, the difference being the sessions are slightly longer and the workouts are a touch difficult. For me personally, I moved on to Chris’s channel very recently as I found Chloe’s routines getting easier with constant repetition. Therefore, I feel Officialthenx is for those who are looking to get back to a routine from taking some time off keeping fit, but by all means, give both channels a shot and see which makes you feel most comfortable (but not too comfortable).
I know how hard it is to find the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. I was, and sometimes still am that person. However, there’s something fulfilling and gratifying when you know you’ve pushed yourself to your limit and you’ve done something good for yourself today. So, give it a shot; don’t go crazy on day one; take it slow, and ease into it. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling fitter and healthier, and by the end of this pandemic you may finally have that perfect ‘summer bod’.
Written by Randev Jayasinha
Feature image credit: Unsplash