During the pandemic, some people have seen their exercise levels drastically reduced, while for others it has been a catalyst to increase their physical activity.
With the widespread shift to working from home, incidental physical activity has been reduced. Some people took advantage of this newly freed time to add exercise to their daywith online fitness programs and health apps reporting a boom.
However, the initial impetus to exercise appears to have been short-lived for many, with a study Comparing activity levels between the first and second wave of COVID in Victoria, most people reported a reduction in their level of physical activity the second time around due to a lack of motivation.
A Systematic review found that overall, COVID reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior, and the effects may be long-lasting.
Now that restrictions have eased, the use of organized gyms has yet to return to pre-pandemic numbers. A investigation gym members found that in Australia, 47% of former gym members did not return to the gym after the closures.
Ongoing concerns about COVID have led to caution about returning to public spaces such as gymnasiums. But also, with many people changing their exercise habits and setting up home gyms during shutdowns, it has become much more convenient to work out at home.
It’s clear to many of us that COVID has changed how and how much we exercise. But the changes don’t have to be for the worse.
Is exercising at home as good as going to the gym?
People who switched to online workouts, fitness apps and home gyms during COVID report their workouts are less intense, less satisfying, less enjoyable, and they feel less motivated compared to gyms.
In addition to the physical effects, people report miss the social aspects, the camaraderie and the escape from the gym. In-person classes also provide the benefits of supervision and instruction, which can help ensure that workouts are carried out safely and effectively.
However, online workouts, fitness apps, and home workouts are likely to stay and offer many benefits, such as greater accessibility (no need to go to the gym) and convenience, making it easier to get started. integration of training while juggling work. and family responsibilities.
How to ensure a good workout at home
6. aim to achieve the national guidelines. This involves performing 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. You should also aim for strength-training exercises at least twice a week, such as push-ups, squats, and free weights.
seven. buying equipment such as hand weights, resistance bands, and even a weight bench can be a great investment and can add variety to your home workouts. However, you can still achieve a great home workout with household items. For example, putting your feet or hands on a chair to do push-ups.
8. minimize your risk of injury. It is important to always take the time to do well warm up, stretch regularly, and be sure to use proper technique, especially when lifting weights. There are many free apps and videos online that can guide you.
9. use virtual reality to make your workout a little more exciting. There are various online apps and programs that allow you to train in virtual worlds, ranging from walking or jogging to Zombies ride a bike in a virtual world. The first evidence supporting virtual workouts to improve motivation and adherence looks promising.
