The gym may be temporarily closed, but you don’t have to pause your fitness goals.

In response to shelter-in-place orders nationwide, gyms, fitness studios, and personal trainers have modified their services, offering online classes and virtual training sessions to fill the void. OrangeTheory Fitness, for instance, shares a free 30-minute workout on its website every day.

At the same time, exercise buffs and others worried that so much time at home could take a toll on their health.  

Some are setting up makeshift gyms in extra rooms, basements, or garages. Others are just making space in their living room or bedrooms. Experts say regular exercise benefits your body and your mind, especially in stressful times. Sticking to a workout routine also brings normalcy to our lives, and gives us something else to do other than watch the news. Exercise releases those feel-good endorphins that can help during these stressful times.  Plus, working out and taking care of yourself could help you fight illness. If you are setting up your at-home gym or workout space, here are a few tips.

Take care of your feet

Perhaps you are increasing your weekly mileage as part of your at-home workout, or you have added rucking to your cardio routine. Make sure your shoes provide the support and protection you need for your activity.

Don’t forget to stretch and recover

It’s easy to skip stretching when you are working out at home, but doing so, especially after a strenuous WOD, Tabata or other high-intensity interval training workout could leave you hurting. Invest in a foam roller and budget time in your schedule for the cool down.

Dress for workout success

Again, just because you are home doesn’t mean you should do cardio in your PJs. Workout clothes should be functional and can impact the quality of your exercise. Opting to wear technical gear for your workout can cause a sort of mental shift that prepares your mind for your upcoming sweat session. Maybe you would’ve run another couple miles if your socks didn’t slip or if you had remembered a cap to keep you cool. Perhaps you could have finished another round of interval training if you had worn a more breathable and moisture-wicking tee. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle with you when you start your workout. Sure, you could pause and grab a glass of water out of the kitchen, but you don’t have to throw off your rhythm, Just act like you are going to the gym — because you are.  

Look for new challenges

Sure, you can find plenty of new streaming workouts online, but maybe you should add some new features to your home workout. How about a home climbing wall? Or interval stations? Bodyweight exercises? Look for ways to keep your workout fresh. Plan time to move!

If you are looking for ways to ramp up your at-home exercise game, we can help! Shop with us online!  We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping visit today! #BeOutdoors