Keeping Kids Active & Fit during COVID-19
COVID-19 has taken our kids out of school, halted sports and shut down parks. Working parents and caregivers have been challenged to juggle this new life as homeschoolers as well as coaches.
I live in Chicago with two boys – 6 and 2. If you live here, you understand that Chicago weather is inconsistent – 72 degrees one day and 52 degrees the next. Sunshine, then rain for two days straight. Needless to say, getting my boys outside can be challenging. My wife and I both work, so I know all too well how overwhelming this time can be for all of us. As a Fitness Specialist and Youth Exercise Specialist with Athletico Physical Therapy, I’ve used this time to find new and creative ways to keep my boys moving. Here are some tips to keep your kids active and healthy during the pandemic.
Workout with a Water Bottle
When you can’t make it to the gym or on those days you just don’t want to leave the house, there are tons of ways to keep your body moving with common items found inside your home! Read below as we walk through some simple exercises that only require a water bottle. Be sure to fill your water bottle and secure the top. A full average sized water bottle is about 1 lb in weight.
Stay At Home: Lower, Upper Body and Core Challenge
Gyms have closed around the country due to COVID-19. Working out and staying active has become challenging as we all abide the social distancing mandate. Maybe you’re trying to hold onto your personal bests during this pandemic, want a high-quality home workout, or need a way to relieve stress. Regardless of the situation, use these helpful tips below.
Exercise as Medicine for Mental Health
Many of us are currently facing more stresses and anxieties than we are used to and being forced to find new ways to cope and get our mental health under control. One method we may consider is utilizing physical activity and allowing the various intrinsic benefits to help us out. While the benefits are numerous, let’s look at a few key reasons to begin exercising for our sanity and mental health.
Workout at Home with these Household Items
So you’re stuck at home and can’t get to the gym to workout, now what? Not everyone has access to gym equipment, but this doesn’t have to mean you can’t get in a good workout. Many everyday items can be used as exercise equipment, you just have to be creative!
What is Proper Running Etiquette?
If you’re a runner, you may have had the experience where you pass a fellow runner and you’re just not sure what to do – do you wave? Smile? Flash the peace sign? There must be a signal we can use to show support for one another.
4 Tips for a Good Warm Up and Cool Down
I had a coach once tell me that the two biggest mistakes people make at the gym are not going enough and doing too much when they do get there. I would add a third mistake to his list: skipping an appropriate warm up and cool down before and after your exercise.
5 Home Workout Tips
The cooler temperatures and limited daylight hours that come with winter can make it difficult to fit exercise into your schedule.
If you are anything like me, snuggling up with a blanket seems a lot more appealing than heading to the gym in your coat, gloves and boots. At the same time, many of us set resolutions to be more active this year. This means it is important to carve out some time in your day for exercise – even if it is not at the gym. Below are some tips to help you achieve a good workout, at home!
