A handful of apps and websites to keep you motivated and fit during a pandemic
I admit it, getting to the gym or to my yoga or spin class takes a lot of self motivation, even on a normal day. And these social-distancing days are far from normal. With our sofas even closer and our energy lower, it takes even more willpower to get moving. I’ve found though that once you get going, it will make you feel better, improve your sleep, physical and mental health during this stressful time. I’m not a fitness expert, simply trying not to gain weight during this tough time.
The motivation I miss from my guided classes are now being offered online by gyms, trainers, companies for discounted or free.
Nike Training Club
A wide variety of levels, instensities and targeted workouts. You can download the Nike Training Club app on your platform’s app store to get started.
What I love:
- Endless workouts to choose from! So organized to search from! Search by muscle group, workout type or equipment – or use the filters to find your perfect workout.
- Men, women and even “for the family” workouts
- Still shot previews of the movement in the class
- Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced per category
- Save your favourite workouts
Note: Works best if you can cast the app content to your tv
Lucy Wyndham-Read
I’ve been using Lucy’s videos several times a week, mixing up 20-min cardio or full body workouts with shorter 7-min tummy or arms.
What I love:
- Visual previews of the move to come, so I can mute the videos and play music
- No equipment / optional to add
- Beginner to intermediate levels offered within the same video
- Short bursts of moves so it makes the time fly by
- Small space, perfect for indoors or even a small patio space
One of my favourite workouts is here:
Bonus: Youtube currently has a free 30-day trial to avoid being interrupted by ads
Check out Lucy’s channel
YYOGA
Flow at home using YYOGA At Home. Monthly or yearly subscriptions with 150+ classes for all levels, and new releases each week. They are offering a free 14-day trial.
And during our stay-at-home crisis, YYOGA is connecting you directly to their teachers by offering Live Streamed classes on Zoom for just $6 a class to support teachers. My friends are loving this.
I asked my friend, a member of YYOGA and regular yogi, what she thinks of moving to the new live streaming classes.
What we love:
- Feeling connected to a community, practicing together in real time
- Specific start time gives me more accountability. I treat it like an appointment in my calendar
- A good selection of class times and styles offered per week/day
- Supports teachers who are unable to teach in studios right now
Barry’s Bootcamp
California-based high-intensity workout concept Barry’s Bootcamp has locations in Toronto and Vancouver and a “hybrid” location in Calgary (a partnership with Lululemon). Canadian trainers Kevin Yeboah and Hayley Steinberg are now offering joint Instagram livestreams.
They focus on specific muscle groups each day of the week, with the exception of Sundays for rest.
- Where to watch: @theyeboah or @haylesbeth
- When: Every day at 10:45 a.m. EST, except Sunday.
Snack to the max?
Bored? Anxious? Spending too much time in front of TV? Have a full tempting pantry? Simply looking up for comfort food?
You’re not alone.
Some tips to slow the snacking:
- Save the treats until the end of day
- Keep busy with hobbies that also keep your hands busy
- Drink more water
- Use an app to track your food and calories which will make each bite a less tempting
- Noom (monthly subscription)
- MyFitnessPal (free)
- Lose it – Calorie Counter (free with optional premium upgrade)
Good luck, stay home, stay safe and try to make the most of this upside down time. Take advantage of this free time to connect with friends, start a new hobby, clean your closet (check out our Poshmark story here) and try to keep healthy.
