Keeping Fit & Healthy For The Summer

By Rebecca G.

We have all learnt about the importance of staying active during lockdown - some of us the hard way! We’ve all been through a time of great stress: the massive change to our routines, the isolation, the trying to carry on as normally as possible whilst having to fit in work, childcare, chores and self-care into the same 24 hour days. We are all different and react to stress very differently. Some of us will throw ourselves into work or pastimes, and whilst some will comfort eat, others will completely lose their appetite and find they have to force themselves to eat. For this reason, what our individual health and fitness needs right now are all very different. 

Whatever experience we’ve had of lockdown, the takeaway for the vast majority is that keeping active, even if it is just for a daily stroll, is key not just to a healthy body but also a healthy mind. Lockdown is gradually easing, however gyms are not set to open in the first phase. It’s been predicted that gyms may start to open their doors up again later in July, however there will be certain measures put in place (glass screens between equipment, limited members at a time, no changing facilities) which may make it uncomfortable or difficult to get your regular gym fix. Plus, you might not want to put yourself in a position of potential exposure to the COVID-19, particularly if you have just gotten used to seeing older or more vulnerable family members (or perhaps you’re just completely weirded out about being close to anyone right now…) 

We’ve seen so many personal trainers, fitness brands and companies move online in light of lockdown so if you are missing your gym sessions or want to shake up your routine, we've explored all the amazing options out there to inspire everyone to get up and get moving. Here are the best free workout ideas we’ve found so far:

If You Like a Challenge… 

With something of a cult following on YouTube and Insta, Chloe Ting has just released her latest #chloetingchallenge. An intense core challenge that offers a full body and core conditioning workout. Not sure if you’re up for something quite so hardcore (yet)? Browse her range of Chloe Ting free home workouts here. 

If You Like to Mix Your Workouts Up... 

Peloton have opened up their digital membership package for a free 30 day trial (priced at £12.99/month after the trial period) Signing up gives you access to Peloton's complete live and on-demand library of classes, covering a wide range of exercise including cycling, bootcamp, running, outdoor, strength, yoga and more. Train at home or on the go with detailed metrics and performance tracking like heart rate and real-time cadence, plus features to keep you connected with other Members. 

If You Want to Move, But Need to Chill… 

One word: yoga! There are so many different yoga styles, and whilst in recent times these have intensified (corepower yoga, anyone?) if you are looking for a wide range of classes from trusted professionals to practise at home, look no further than LuluLemon’s YouTube channel. Featuring a variety of different targeted yoga classes, as well as meditation and even some strength and HIIT thrown in, there really is something for everyone here. If you prefer live classes, check out their Instagram, where there is a live yoga class every Tuesday and live meditation on Thursdays. 

If You’ve Missed the Gym, A LOT… 

Known for their incredibly tough workouts that put celebrities including David Beckham and Naomi Campbell through their paces, Barry’s Bootcamp is not for the faint hearted. Check out the US’s IGTV for daily total body workout fixes that require no or very little equipment.