In recent weeks, our lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus, a tiny virus that causes the disease called COVID-19.
Our relationship to time is upset. Indeed, many have more time, others have less than before.
At first glance, having more time should allow more people to be physically active. Except it's not that simple. Sometimes, when you have more time, you are less stimulated and you can become less motivated. If this is your case, here is something that might help you.
If you have chosen to become or remain active during this time, here are some recommendations.
If you are currently sedentary or were a few days ago
If you are in this situation, it is very important to start small and take it gradually. Tell yourself that this is really not the time to injure yourself or have to go to the hospital because you've trained too hard. Indeed, at the time of writing, it is no longer possible to see a physiotherapist in person, most consultations are done remotely.
In short, train safely so you don't have to use the health system.
It is essential to pay attention to the level of workouts available online. If you pick a workout on YouTube at random, there's a good chance it's too intense. If you are just starting out, choose a non-jump workout. The day after your workout, you should have little or no muscle soreness. If you are very stiff, wait for the pain to subside before your next workout, then resume with a more suitable workout.
If you like walking or running
If you like walking or running, you can follow one of the training programs posted on the website of the Corporate Challenge (beginner to advanced levels). For additional motivation, I invite you to join the Virtual Business Challenge, a free and accessible event for everyone that allows you to train together - remotely. This Virtual Challenge will take place from June 8 to 14, 2020 and allows you to set one or more goals to achieve among the proposed activities: walking, running, Cardio Fit, zumba and yoga. For more regular monitoring and support, the Virtual Business Challenge workouts are a weekly appointment.
In addition, if you are just starting out, I invite you to consult these 2 articles: race against injury et how many kilometers should you run in your first week of racing.
If you prefer strength / cardiovascular training on site
Since a few weeks, Cardio Plein Air offers a daily workout online. Depending on your preference, they can be made outdoors or indoors. Within the same session, several alternatives are proposed so that you can take into account your condition and your limits. If you are just starting out, focus on movements that have little impact or variations suggested for beginners. There are also options for a more advanced level of training.
Other videos offering training sessions are also available on YouTube. Before you jump right into an online workout, here are three videos that might help you improve your technique:
If you engage in physical activity on a regular basis
Continuing to train is a good way to maintain your mental and physical health. However, now is not the time to set performance goals. Once again, it is essential not to have to consult our health system because of a leisure.
Even if it can be difficult, it would be preferable, for the next few weeks, to see physical activity as a pleasure that we do and not as a usual training. YouTube is full of workouts to do at home. Be careful, however, to properly assess the level of intensity of the program or session you will follow.
For now, in Quebec, it is still allowed to train outside, but it is essential to show respect and good manners and to follow the instructions issued by public health. In other words, you can walk or run, only with people who live in the same place as you and with a distance of 2 m between you and people you meet. If it is not possible to apply these measures in your area, perhaps consider changing the time of your outdoor outings. Here is a code of ethics for runners which also applies for walkers.
Good training!
Virtual Business Challenge, what a great idea a cardio-muscular workout with free “Outdoor Cardio” different every day with trainers who make us feel comfortable doing the movements at our own pace. Seeing 2 people with different strengths encourages us to do the same. We move anyway and that's the goal. Well done for your involvement. Great!!!!!
Thanks for your kind words!
Thank you very much for all his advice! It makes me want to move.
Glad to read this! Well done!