If quarantine flashbacks are creeping up on you this wfh season, fear not, because we might just have the solution – get up and move. We’re actually being so fr. Seriously, antics aside, a contributing factor to why you may not be feeling your best is a lack of control and structure during uncertainty.
Moving your body will not only help you release built-up tension, but it’s also a comparatively healthy outlet for any anxiety you may be experiencing. Check out whether these home workout vids (for free thanks to the og YT) sound like your speed:
If you’re actually considering this (admire the commitment)
In an ironic twist of fate, potentially the most unathletic person is typing this. However, there is hope, because even I got the steps down pat (a first). Gym-bro or not, dedicating warm-up time before engaging in any hardcore exercise is always a safe bet.
If you’re looking for something short and sweet
Looking for some exposure therapy? Try this 15-20 minute HIT workout. Yeah, I know what that is. Tasha says it burns calories quickly and it’s great for building cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Take it from her; her form looks fire.
If Alo, pilates, and matcha are calling your name
To be fair, these kinds of workouts warrant cute sets. It’s pilates meets cardio and equipment free, minus a cute mat to match the vibes. Having a Poofy and Pauline for moral support sounds like a good idea for this one though. Talk about committal.
In all seriousness, Natalie White’s narration of the routine was encouraging, approachable, and fairly easy to keep up with. For 30 minutes, this tutorial activates your core while still actively working on your balance (priming you for option 7!)
Motivation pep talk? Sounds timely
If you’ve scrolled this far down the list, you might need this. Jessica Smith’s Walk & Talk Series feels like a therapy workout mashup (kind of the point of this article, just saying). She compares motivation to a muscle, something you endurance train as opposed to a fleeting feeling or moment you wait on – shamelessly my favourite pick.
Targetting the upper body? We’ve got you
With Sydney Houdyshell’s 30 minute routine, your arms might get in the best shape of their lives (if they stay on 🙈). We’re talking chest presses, bent rows, shoulder presses, hammer curls, front and side raises, tricep kickbacks, leg raises, and cross jacks with knee drives. You’re doing great sweetie! I’m just gonna watch from over here …
A moment for lower body pls
Before retiring my gym days, believe it or not, I dabbled in lower-body workouts myself (shocking, I know). If you’re into self-perpetuated torture, get your mat and pilates mini ball out because stuff just got serious. Karen Vizueta’s 15 routine will leave you with that Kim K bum – but like, still remarkably impaired with the whole gait thing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
If you’ve come back to your senses 😌
Babe, you tried. You were ambitious. Brave even. Now it’s time you join me on the soft side of productivity. 30 minutes of serenity is a perfect way to wind down a distraught nervous system. There’s just you, your relaxing form, and maybe your cat purring softly in the background. Or your dog barking at the doorbell; we don’t discriminate.
In times of unrest, remember that the one certainty you’ll always have is choice (a privilege we don’t take lightly). Treat yourself to some feel-good ways to move your body. Now I have to, so I don’t look bad, great.