Being quarantined at home is a sure-fire way to put most people in a state of inertia. With no gyms or fitness centres open, it can be tempting to just stay in bed and watch travel shows on Netflix all day. But since you’re a dedicated traveller on a mission to stay active, you’re not going to let your fitness take a downturn, are you? No excuses — there are so many workout activities you can try at home!
So, if you’re looking for some motivation to get up and start moving, then remember: one day, the lockdown will be over, and you’ll get to start travelling again. Make sure you’re fit enough to withstand the countless trips you’ve got lined up! Here are a few home workout activities to help you stay in shape until you can finally travel again:
Easy workout activities you can try at home
1. Go for a run
Jog a few miles around your neighbourhood, or hop on the treadmill if you have one and can’t leave your house. Remember: you need the training to be able to run after all those nearly missed flights!
If you’re no longer encouraged to exercise outdoors and you don’t have any cardio equipment at home, try running up and down the stairs. It’s still a great way to prepare you for every bus, train, and ferry that might leave you at the last second (no shame — every veteran traveller has experienced this)!
2. Lift some weights
Weight a minute — it’s lifting time! After all, you’ll need to keep up the strength to heave your heavy carry-on luggage up the overhead bin.
No weights? No problem! It’s easy to assemble makeshift dumbbells with objects lying around at home; just find some water bottles, books, or old paint cans. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Alternatively, you can even lift your pet dog if you have one (it’ll make for a cute Instagram story as well). Just make sure you don’t drop him or her!
Tip: If you need a little guidance, there are loads of easy exercise videos you can find on YouTube and Instagram!
3. Practise yoga
Two things yogis know best: balance and concentration. If you’ve ever done some hardcore commuting, you must be familiar with every frequent traveller’s struggle: holding on to the handles of a crowded train without falling face-flat on the floor! That is, if you’re lucky — some public vehicles get so packed, you may not even have any handles to cling on to for dear life. You’ll need all the balance and concentration you can muster!
So, before you roll up your yoga mat and refuse to do another tree pose, keep those commuting experiences in mind! You’ll be thankful for this home workout when you can easily keep your balance no matter how fast the train zooms past.
4. Dance along to a Zumba video
So, maybe you’re looking for something a bit more upbeat. Why not relive the ’90s era and dance along to some trendy Zumba hits? You’ll eventually have to whip out those dance moves for all the festivals you’ll be attending out of town!
During this quarantine period, tons of fitness influencers have uploaded workout videos you can follow at home, including the most entertaining Zumba videos. If you want to make it even more fun, grab your family members to boogie along with you! Perfect way to bond while keeping fit and active.
5. Work on your squats
If you’re used to plopping your bottom down on a Western-style toilet, the traditional toilets of some Asian countries might take you by surprise. Here’s a spoiler: they require a lot of squatting. (The good news? This is apparently better for your bowel movements!)
So if you’re looking for another reason to muscle through those squats, just think about how you’ll need the strength for all those future trips (to the toilet, that is).
6. Challenge yourself to do more push-ups and pull-ups
Hey, backpackers! This one goes out to you especially. Remember that ridiculously heavy travel backpack that makes your neck, back, and shoulders ache for days on end? Well, it probably isn’t going to get any lighter once you start wandering around the world again.
We suggest doing a few push-ups and pull-ups a few days a week to maintain your upper body strength. Because before you know it, you’ll be up and at it again, putting that solid bod to hard work!
Also read: 8 Times Travel Gives You a Workout
So, what do you say? Let’s get a move on, quarantine buddy! Gotta stay in shape for all the trips we’ve been daydreaming about!
