The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in everyone’s plans for 2020. For a lot of us, we were just hitting out stride with workout routines, then the onset of stay-at-home orders and social distancing changed everything. With all of the added restrictions, you’ve likely had to revamp your workout plan and figure out creative ways to stay healthy while staying distant.

This year has been extremely challenging, but people are resilient! Thankfully, there are a lot of creative ways to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. From attending virtual yoga classes to renting canoes in local parks, people have found new ways to work out and stay active.

Now more than ever, we’ve got to focus on our mental and physical health. After five months of Coronavirus-related stress, it would be easy to give up on physical fitness. But that wouldn’t do anyone any good! So hit pause on the latest binge-worthy show, and let’s talk about staying healthy.

The importance of exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic

Before we talk about how to stay healthy and what sort of exercise to do, let’s focus on why it’s so important to stay healthy throughout this crisis. As adults, we don’t take well to getting instructions without knowing why they matter. So, here’s some information from the Mayo Clinic about why exercising is so important right now:

Exercising releases endorphins

Endorphins are the chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy or “good.” If you’ve been feeling a little down throughout the pandemic, exercising can actually help you feel happier on a chemical level.

Exercising shifts your focus

The consistent movement of working out changes your focus. For example, when you focus on your steps while running or on your breathing while swimming, you stop ruminating on the negative thoughts that can get stuck in your mind. Exercising frees your mind to think about other, more positive, things.

Exercising is good for cardiovascular health

This might be obvious, but exercising is healthy! When you exercise, you strengthen your muscles and give your heart a workout. A healthy heart is a good heart.

Exercising improves your mood

From releasing endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals) to helping you sleep better, exercising can do a lot to boost your mood. When you get more restful sleep, your days get a little brighter.

Essentially, exercising improves your physical and mental health. You likely already knew that, and now you’re just looking for new ways to exercise given the current circumstances. Here you go!

How to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic

Exercising during the pandemic has gotten a little complicated. Many gyms are still completely closed, and others are open but have new restrictions. Whether you’re able to return to a gym or not, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your workouts!

• Exercise outside when you can

Even if you’re just going for a walk around your neighborhood, getting out of the house and getting some sunlight is great for your health. Move around, get some Vitamin D, and enjoy the sites and sounds of the great outdoors. 

• Use the small moments

Working out doesn’t have to look like it did at the gym. Look for small moments throughout the day to more around a little more or get your heart rate up. This could be as simple as using a hand-held basket at the grocery store rather than pushing a shopping cart. Utilize the time you’ve got and the objects that are handy to amp up your workout routine.

• Be social

Even though we can’t all get together like we used to, a lot of gyms are hosting virtual workouts. Look for a virtual yoga session or dance class -- anything that will get you moving, help you have fun, and keep you engaged with other people. When possible, go on socially-distant outings that allow you to work out while still interacting with other people. 

• Stay motivated

You might need to mix up your workout routines more than you did before the pandemic. If you find that a certain exercise is becoming boring or that you just don’t care anymore, try something different. Go walk a new route or try an activity that you’ve never done before. When you keep things interesting, you’re more likely to stay active.

If you are located in the Greater New Orleans area and you’re looking for a fun new way to exercise, check out LOOP NOLA in City Park. We offer canoeing, hiking, and high ropes adventure experiences. Exercising and having fun are a great way to boost your mental health!