By Claire Gendron
I’ve always played sports and liked to exercise, so, given our current situation, I’ve started doing more at-home workouts to stay active. Each week I’ll be sharing a few specific ones that I’ve done through different platforms and programs, and encourage you to check them out.
When the yoga studio I had been going to closed, I started a free, 30-day trial with the @alomoves app. They have a variety of classes and series specific to yoga, fitness, mindfulness, and flexibility. What I love about their program (I also use their website from my computer for a larger screen) is the ability to filter classes by duration, difficulty/intensity, style, and instructor to find exactly what you’re looking for. I especially love Koya Webb’s “Sunrise Stretch.” I’m definitely not a morning person, and I’ve found that it takes me a lot longer to wake up without school or a place to be, but this quick, 15-minute class has become part of my morning routine. It's more of a full-body stretch than a yoga flow, but it’s a perfect way to incorporate a little energy and movement into your morning. It’s also a great way to loosen up if you worked out the day before, or are planning on working out later that day.
I’ve had the Nike Training Club app for over a year now, and to encourage everyone to stay healthy and active during this time, they’ve included all of their premium content with the free membership. Similar to AloMoves, you can filter their workouts based on equipment available, intensity, length, style, and more. One of my favorites is the “Speed Round” 15-minute HIIT workout. The only equipment needed is a jump rope, and the instructor leads you through a warm-up, three endurance rounds (each increases slightly in length), and a cool-down. It’s a quick, efficient way to get your heart rate up and break a sweat, and it’s great for cardio conditioning and endurance. It pairs well with a lighter strength workout, or try challenging yourself and doing it twice.
Another platform I’ve started using is @ninaadgal ‘s newly-launched app. Her app has a variety of workouts targeted at toning and building lean muscle, and most only require light weights. The full-body workouts are around half an hour, while the specific body-part ones are shorter and can be done a few times or combined with others. The “10 Minute Arm Burner” has become one of my go-tos; it’s quick and done with light weights (I use 3lb), but I can definitely feel it by the end. Nina’s energetic personality makes it fun and engaging, and the exercises follow a 50-second on, 10-second off format, which I find is easy to follow and keeps me focused. I’d suggest these workouts if you’re looking for something strength-focused towards a specific area, and if you prefer a more light-hearted and personal training style.
