HOW TO STAY SAFE AND ACTIVE NO MATTER YOUR AGE

Mom and Young Daughter Push-Up

Staying active is important for all ages. Aside from presenting short and long-term health benefits for the young, it gets more important for the elderly as they age. Indeed, the National Institute on Aging emphasizes that staying active can help keep disease and other ailments at bay, such as arthritis, heart disease, or a stroke.

However, the recent pandemic has kept us all trapped indoors. Given how going out to gyms or attending in-person classes is no longer possible for the foreseeable future, we’ve come up with a list of ways people of all ages can stay active even at home:

1. Attend an Online Class

In order to adapt to the effects of the pandemic, many gyms and fitness instructors have taken their practice online, offering virtual workout options such as live cycling classes or bootcamp workouts.

This move to digital is not only practical for all ages to remain safe, but it also grants convenience for both parties. Indeed, amidst the pandemic, getting the fitness education you need regardless of the platform is crucial — especially as it yields a lot of benefits. Fortunately, there are many options available: from barre and HIIT to yoga and Pilates, there’s bound to be a live workout session that will appeal to your interests.

Ironically, this practical method of training and learning online is in fact being mirrored by people who are actually studying to become fitness trainers themselves. Many future trainers are now taking an 
online exercise science degree that they can pursue at home, a trend that will only increase going forward. And if students are able to study complex fitness concepts online, then it shows how online programs related to fitness can be easily transmitted and understood through a screen. While encouraging shouts from instructors through the screen isn’t about to replace face-to-face interactions anytime soon, online classes are still a great way to engage with the community, stay social, and keep active.

 

2. Go for Private One-On-One Instructors Online

If joining an online class isn’t for you, consider a private one-on-one online class where you’ll receive advice based on your personal circumstances. For youth and seniors, this is a more practical avenue as needs may vary. Not to mention, the pandemic has forced many personal trainers to offer these services. With no wasted time, private one-on-one classes with a professional will ensure you get maximum results at a pace you’re comfortable with.

 

3. Stream a Workout Course

If joining a live workout isn’t for you — consider streaming one of the many (mostly free) workout courses online. In this way, you’ll get to choose the time and type of workout you do while also saving money. Over time, you’ll get to gauge your progress with the same routine and try something new when it suits you.

 

4. Parting Thoughts

John Porcari, a professor of exercise and sport science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, explained in an interview with The Guardian that “There’s a certain subset of the population who are going to be motivated enough to use this stuff at home.” However, he doesn’t think it will replace gyms, as the face-to-face interaction and camaraderie that comes with working out in gyms is more motivating than any online class or workout video.

But given the recent pandemic, online options are a great substitute for the workouts and exercise sessions we miss and can’t do today. Make the most of it by trying any of our fall workouts. In this way, you’ll get to stay safe and active at the same time.

 

Article prepared by Tanya Crews

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