One positive result of this pandemic situation is the huge influx of (mostly) free virtual fitness opportunities. With so many classes, virtual races and challenges out there, it is incredibly easy to over do it. So, how does one take advantage of all of the virtual fitness opportunities without overdoing it?
How to take advantage of virtual fitness opportunities without overdoing it
Admittedly, I am the first to realize that I can easily overdo it. With stay at home orders continuing for many of us, social activities are out of the question. Enter fitness classes, virtual races and challenges! The perfect way to fill your time. Or is it? While increasing your activity level can have many health benefits, there can also be some negative consequences. I think my legs have been in a constant state of soreness for the past 2 weeks. Overdoing it can lead to injury, fatigue, sleepless and overtraining.
So what is a quarantined mother runner to do? I have a few suggestion to help you take advantage of virtual fitness opportunities without overdoing it.
Virtual Races
When lockdown began, I signed up for a ridiculous amount of virtual races (many still to come in May) in addition to the weekly Uncanceled Project “races”. My advice:
Think about your current fitness/running level. Plan out your week of running to include the appropriate number of races at the distances that work for you where you are now. Do you plan to “race” each distance or use the motivation to get you through your regularly paced runs? How many “races” would you do a week/month in “normal” times? Personally, I use them as motivation to get out there with a sense of purpose as such, some of my “races” are power walks. I am ok with that! (5 things to consider before jumping into a virtual race)
Fitness Classes
Whoa, can you say fitness overload! With so many (mostly) free fitness opportunities out there from Peloton to BeachBody to CorePower Yoga, where does one start? While I do think this is a fantastic opportunity to try out new classes from normally pricey studios, it can be very easy to over do it. My advice?
[you may also like the best Peloton digital classes]
Try something new but take baby steps. Always wanted to take a bootcamp class but not sure if it’s for you? Try out a short 20 or 30 minute class. Since you are doing it at home, you have nothing to lose. You can always hit stop!
Plan out your workouts in advance. Determine how much time you have and block that time out for exercise. Look at the classes in advance to craft a plan that works for you.
Mix and Match. This may be the only time you will have access to so much free fitness. Pick and choose from different formats to create your own personal workout plan. Like yoga from one studio and strength training from another?
Don’t be afraid to pull back. If something doesn’t feel right, there is no benefit to pushing through. Health is wealth!
I’ve definitely been working out like it’s my job. Tell me, do you find that you are exercising more now during stay at home orders? Are you taking advantage of the wealth of virtual fitness classes and races?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Rachel, Jen , Sandra and Lisa
Good points!
I am definitely doing more video-guided fitness classes than before. But I only do short, 20-minute sessions that focus on one area (core, butt, legs, upper-body) and alternate these through the week.
I also like doing yoga to do a more relaxed workout.
I am glad that you have found some new options that work for you. I also like to pair up a bunch of shorter classes
Totally agree- its a great opportunity to try new things but it can be easy to overdo it! I’ve found myself having weeks where I push a little too hard but there have also been weeks when I feel blah and just get in my basic workouts. So for me its all sort of balanced out. I definitely think if I kept up the constant virtual races I would end up injured or burned out. I think planning ahead helps, even if its just one week at a time.
Planning ahead for just the week really helps me too. Yes, I too have had days where I am sore so I’ve just dialed back the intensity a bit.
I think there’s a lot of overdoing it because it’s keeping us busy. But I also think that all of these free apps and workouts have been great because more people are moving. I just hope it sticks afterwards. I think I’m doing ok with balancing it all. Some weeks I go harder and some weeks I back off.
Yes I agree so many more people are moving and that is fantastic. I have weeks where I know I go a little too hard and so I try to back off. It is definitely keeping me busy too!
I’m definitely one of those people who could overdo it, but isn’t recognition the key? I just don’t want to get injured. I’ve been having a few more aches and pains as I’ve upped my miles.
Yes definitely with you on not getting injured! Some days I am sore so I try to back off the intensity. It’s all a balance of doing too much and staying sane
Totally agree! There are a LOT of virtual fitness opportunities out right now and I think it’s easy to overdo it. Also since people may have more free time they might feel the need to be over productive and take a lot of different classes. I think I was guilty of this when the pandemic first started but now I’ve reached a nice groove that seems to work for me.
I’ve also gotten into a nice groove-it may be weird when things open up again!
I think it says a lot about companies that are doing free or very discounted class/app memberships right now. To me that shows a lot of good faith in them since they know some many people are struggling financially or there routine is completely changed and they need some new fitness routine for the time being. Personally I’ve taken the time now to try new to me apps or types of fitness to see if I like it. It’s been fun to get a bigger variety and expand my options!
It sure is a great time to check out new platforms and classes. I am enjoying doing that as well
I actually could use to jump into the virtual fitness stuff more. I have been finding a lack of motivation with the stress of the stay home order.
well then check it out there is so much out there to keep you entertained!
So many great points!! I think the key (as you mentioned) is honoring one’s own fitness level. I’ve been doing those Un-Canceled 5K’s as my weekly speedwork. I did a few extra Un-Canceled races as substitutes for scheduled races that got canceled/postponed. I’ve held off on the free 90-day Peloton app because I honestly think I have enough going on already LOL Trying to keep things in balance is a tough discipline…
Trying to keep things in balance is no easy task!
Great tips, Deborah. I think your advice to plan your fitness classes in advance is good. I tend to overdo it if I don’t plan ahead. I have been doing some virtual fitness classes but mostly I have increased my running miles. I have been averaging about 10 – 12 more miles per week under the lockdown.
That’s really fantastic! I am not as motivated to run alone so doing more cycling and strength training
Fantastic points! It’s so easy to get caught up in the “but I have time!”, “but it’s a good cause!”, “what’s the worst that can happen?” and really get yourself in trouble. Now is a great time to build up your fitness, but a terrible time to get injured. I hope everyone takes this to heart <3
Yes exactly! Admittedly, I can very easily fall prey to this type of thinking myself
Like everything it’s so important to find a balance in this! These are some great tips to take advantage without going crazy. Hope you are well! xoxo
Thanks Julie you too!
I love this! Such an important post with so much that is available. So many great suggestions.
Thanks De!
I am probably in the minority, since I set up the 90-day free Peloton account but have not used it at all!
Oh really!? So much for everyone there (in case you get bored)
There is definitely a plus side with all this extra time. It’s been awesome to get my workouts in, but I do find myself wanting to go overboard just to fill the time! Great post!
Same here it’s a good reminder for myself as well
Great tips on not overdoing it. My workouts haven’t had to change much since I was already working out in my home gym. I did my first virtual race last Saturday, though.
I saw that! I was working out at home mostly as well. I am just doing it on my own now instead of with my trainer
These are great tips! I went a little overboard a few weeks ago with core work and ended up hurting my low back, so these are good reminders!!
You know, it’s easy to do when you have time to fill at home
I am definitely taking advantage of so much that has been offered! It’s been a bit frustrating, though, my body doesn’t want to do what my mind says it should right now.
Luckily I also have plenty of courses I’m signed up for, so when I’m not working out, I’m working out my mind. 🙂
Oh I hear you on my body not always wanting to cooperate. I over did it a few times for sure. Working your mind is never wasted!
With these stay at home orders, i am not working out more. Work is keeping me more busy than I would have thought. I am using the extra time to read and watch TV. My running was not consistent but now that I am working with someone, I hope I can stay consistent. Well, I got some PRs to shoot for next year!
Thank you for linking up with us!
Consistency is what we all need right now