January 5, 2021

Exercise during lockdown

Many of us are finding it difficult to feel motivated to exercise during lockdown. Having to think about perhaps moving our bodies in a different way and finding new means to achieve fitness goals. I have heard about runners having to change their running routes to allow for social distancing. Some have stopped as they are concerned that they may be breathing in contaminated air as they breath heavily while exercising. Those who are used to going to the gym or yoga studio have found that online classes just don’t do it for them. Of course there are any who would rather exercise online than do nothing at all, but can they gain a good experience from zoom classes or even pre-recorded sessions? The gym bunnies who feel that the routine of packing their bag, water bottle in one hand and headphones at the ready and who once felt devastated are now accepting that this is the new way to work out.

Over the past year I have seen people change their minds about the whole zoom phenomena. Those hardened gym goers have embraced the online sessions and growing online communities are being created. There are bonuses to online classes. For example, some preferring to stay in rather than venture out on a cold, dark night to the village hall. How great is it not having to allow for traffic and simply turning on your PC or device. Is it really possible to feel connected via a screen?  I think we are getting closer to it. This is now the ‘new normal’. I hate that term and it’s flippant over use but it’s another thing that is becoming part of our everyday life.

While the government are concerned that the nation’s kids are not getting enough exercise, the likes of Joe Wickes and online You Tube videos have come to the rescue, Is it enough? Yes, we will always miss that human contact but it is proving to be a good alternative.

So what do you need for a satisfying home practice?

It is important to have a specific mat for your needs. For yoga you will need a mat that  is no thicker than 6mm. 4mm is the most commonly used and it is better to have it on a hard floor so that there is no slippage. 

Practicing at home will not always make this practical so be careful . The thinner grippier mats are best for those challenging poses which involve balance. If you are new to yoga, a grippy mat is helpful. 

For Pilates, a thicker more cushioned mat is preferable as we do a lot of work on all fours and on the spine or hip joints. Knees and wrists can take a hammering! I can’t emphasize enough how having some padding in the form of blankets or cushions can really make your practice so much more comfortable and safe.

You may want to add some props to your repertoire: YOGA– yoga mat, a couple of yoga bricks, a larger yoga block, a strap, cushions, blankets and a bolster. 

PILATES– Pilates mat or any thicker exercise mat – between 10 -15 mm.  Pilates ball, resistance band (medium strength), VERY LIGHT hand weights- no heavier than 1kg. Of course you can use NO props at all- or improvise with household objects; books instead of blocks- a long scarf instead of a strap. tinned food  or bottles of water instead of weights etc. 

 

Many of us are finding it difficult to feel motivated to exercise during lockdown. Having to think about perhaps moving our bodies in a different way and finding new means to achieve fitness goals. I have heard about runners having to change their running routes to allow for social distancing. Some have stopped as they are concerned that they may be breathing in contaminated air as they breath heavily while exercising. Those who are used to going to the gym or yoga studio have found that online classes just don’t do it for them. Of course there are any who would rather exercise online than do nothing at all, but can they gain a good experience from zoom classes or even pre-recorded sessions? The gym bunnies who feel that the routine of packing their bag, water bottle in one hand and headphones at the ready and who once felt devastated are now accepting that this is the new way to work out.

Over the past year I have seen people change their minds about the whole zoom phenomena. Those hardened gym goers have embraced the online sessions and growing online communities are being created. There are bonuses to online classes. For example, some preferring to stay in rather than venture out on a cold, dark night to the village hall. How great is it not having to allow for traffic and simply turning on your PC or device. Is it really possible to feel connected via a screen?  I think we are getting closer to it. This is now the ‘new normal’. I hate that term and it’s flippant over use but it’s another thing that is becoming part of our everyday life.

While the government are concerned that the nation’s kids are not getting enough exercise, the likes of Joe Wickes and online You Tube videos have come to the rescue, Is it enough?

So what do you need for a satisfying home practice?

It is important to have a specific mat for your needs. For yoga you will need a mat that  is no thicker than 6mm. 4mm is the most commonly used and it is better to have it on a hard floor so that there is no slippage. 

Practicing at home will not always make this practical so be careful . The thinner grippier mats are best for those challenging poses which involve balance. If you are new to yoga, a grippy mat is helpful. 

For Pilates, a thicker more cushioned mat is preferable as we do a lot of work on all fours and on the spine or hip joints. Knees and wrists can take a hammering! I can’t emphasize enough how having some padding in the form of blankets or cushions can really make your practice so much more comfortable and safe.

You may want to add some props to your repertoire: YOGA– yoga mat, a couple of yoga bricks, a larger yoga block, a strap, cushions, blankets and a bolster. 

PILATES– Pilates mat or any thicker exercise mat – between 10 -15 mm.  Pilates ball, resistance band (medium strength), VERY LIGHT hand weights- no heavier than 1kg. Of course you can use NO props at all- or improvise with household objects; books instead of blocks- a long scarf instead of a strap. tinned food  or bottles of water instead of weights etc.