6 AT-HOME WORKOUTS TO KEEP YOU ACTIVE DURING ISOLATION
Image: Instagram/@fluidformpilates
BY JESSICA BOSCO
As I bite into my 7,345th cupcake this week, it dawned on me, that while I’m thoroughly enjoying reigniting my love of baked goods (scones with jam and cream, anyone?) I realise that it’s probably also time to start getting back into some form of proper exercise. We’ve been going for our daily walks and getting the kids out on the bike or scooter - and Baxter our dog has probably never been fitter - but for both my physical and mental health it’s time for something a little more than a walk around the block.
We all know how important exercise is for both our bodies and our minds, with the reality setting in that isolation is most likely going to be the status-quo for the next six months or so, now more than ever we need all the help we can get in both those departments. But, if you’re like me and you usually prefer the motivation of a gym or a class or need a trainer to get you up off your butt then these next few months are going to require you to dig deep and find some extra motivation.
So while we’re all just doing our best and trying to adjust to this new normal, we’ve put together a list of some great online workouts and apps that you can do from the comfort of your own home or on your phone during your daily outdoor exercise sesh. (And don’t forget we’re all getting there at our own pace so if you’re still solidly in the baked goods phase, don’t worry, just bookmark this and come back here when you’re ready.)
1. Fluidform at home
Pilates queen Kirsten King - trainer to celebrities including model Georgia Fowler, Elle Ferguson and our very own Marcia - has created an at-home version of her cult pilates classes. A monthly subscription will give you access to a series of 30-minute workouts that give you that coveted pilates tone - and you’ll also receive the equipment you’ll need including resistance bands, pilates ball and sliders. And there is a dedicated pre and post-natal sections for all you new and expectant mamas.
Visit fluidform.com.au for more information
2. CNTR
Aussie heartthrob Chris Hemsworth wants to keep us all fit and healthy in isolation and has offered up his CENTR app for a free trial. Besides getting to look at Chris Hemsworth pictures - and his stunning wife Elsa Pataky on there - the app is full of workouts for everyone from HIIT, to strength training, boxing, pilates as well as meditation and mindfulness exercises. It also includes recipes, nutritional plans and information as well a strong focus on mental health tips and tools.
They’re also adding something for the little ones too - with meditations and visualisations for kids launching this week.
Visit centr.com for more information
3. The Tracy Anderson Method
Hollywood’s trainer to the stars - think Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham and JLo - incorporates her background in dance to bring you a high-intensity program that will get you working up a sweat and having fun at the same time, and offers beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. You might look at this and wonder how it can work but trust us, the burn is real - and frankly, if it’s good enough for JLo it’s good enough for us…
Visit tracyanderson.com for more information.
4. Empowered Mother
This one is especially for the mamas and mamas-to-be who want to make sure they’re making the best choices physically during isolation but might not be 100% sure where to start. It’s so important to keep moving during pregnancy and post-partum but knowing what you can and should be doing is tricky, and can even be dangerous. Empowered Mother not only gives you access to workouts and exercise programs but also gives you access to educational pieces on how to protect your pelvic floor during pregnancy, how to heal stomach separation, C-Section Recovery essentials as well as expert interviews with physiotherapists, obstetricians, psychologists and midwives. They are also offering a free mini-course to get you started!
Visit empoweredmother.com.au for more information
5. Fresh Body Fit Mind by Amanda Bisk
If you’re looking for something free to get you started former Australian Pole Vaulter and exercise physiologist/yoga teacher Amanda Bisk has you covered. Amanda has created a 14-day fitness lockdown challenge - and it’s free. The workouts require no equipment and all have options for intensity levels, so there’s no excuse not to give it a go - and challenge yourself to commit to it each day.
Visit freshbodyfitmind.com for more information
6. BUMP @ HOME
Another one for the pregnant and post-partum mamas, this targeted product provides mums and mums-to-be with tailored online workouts ranging from Pilates, barre, strength, yoga and HIIT to virtual personal training sessions via ZOOM, as well as Facebook Live sessions and fitness challenges. The BUMP team have over 25 years of combined experience as experts in pre and postnatal exercise and have created a dedicated following and a friendly community of like-minded women.
Visit https://www.bumphealth.com.au/bump-at-home/ for more information