Fit For a Queen on Quarantine

 

Welcome to the ‘Fit For a Queen on Quarantine’ edition! The COVID-19 pandemic is re-shaping how we live, how we move, and how we spend our time. I hope to provide some helpful guidance towards your health and fitness during this unprecedented time.

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The gym doors are closed, and if you're following federal guidelines (which, I hope you are!!) you've been in the house for at least a week now. Maybe you're feeling restless, experiencing cabin fever, or itching to get back into a fitness routine. 

As someone who loves to move, and can consistently be found at the gym or in a yoga studio, finding new ways to stay active has been a challenge. Finding affordable home-gym equipment and adding it to my arsenal is one thing that’s made this “new normal” easier.

We may not know when our favorite places to break a sweat will reopen, but the good news is there are affordable and accessible options for you to stay fit while staying inside. 



Top 10 pieces of fitness equipment under $25: 

1. Jump rope

Great for cardio and a full body workout, jump roping is an easy way to maintain your fitness. Plus, an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some sunshine! 

Once you've mastered singles, try for double unders. 

Cheap choices:

2. Dumbbells 

With dumbbells in your arsenal, anything is possible. I recommend a light to moderate set of dumbbells, and a heavy set. Find weights that feel challenging, so you can work on those gains!  

Cheap choices:

3. Yoga mat/blocks

During these times of uncertainty, we can't forget to flow. Not only is yoga a great option for mobility, but it provides much needed calm and grounding. Yoga blocks are an accessory you can use to nail some poses. #Namaste

Cheap choices:

4. Stability ball 

Hello core work! Blow up an stability ball and get those abs to work.

You can find some stability ball core exercises here

Cheap choices:

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5. Resistance bands

Resistance training is what improves muscular strength and endurance. In other words, it's where gains are made. Grab a set of resistance bands to add to your workout and feel the BURN! 

Cheap choices:

6. Kettlebells 

Kettlebells give your entire body a workout. They can be used for strength training (ie. deadlifts and squats), added to a high-intensity cardio workout, and help build stability. You'll have choice between light weight, moderate, or heavy.  

Cheap choices:

7. Ab Roller

Spoiler alert: Unfortunately, an ab roller isn't the sole answer to a six-pack...BUT this low-tech accessory is sure to strengthen your core muscles and improve stability.  

Cheap choices:

8. Pull-Up Bar

Upper-body muscles...activate! If you have a door frame in your home that could use some company, install a pull-up bar. Pull-ups and chin-ups are some of the best body weight exercises for strong back muscles. 

Bonus: Have a kitchen chair beneath your feet for some assistance if you haven't quite mastered those moves on your own.

Cheap choices:

9. Muscle roller 

Tightness and soreness can happen anywhere, not just the gym. Foam rolling can help relieve inflammation in the joints and increase range of motion

Cheap choices:

10. Medicine Ball 

Not to be confused with a stability ball, the medicine ball is weighted and can be used for various exercises (i.e. squats, deadlifts, wall-balls...). They're a great piece of equipment for building strength, balance, and coordination. 

Cheap choices: