Staying fit during Lock Down

Today, I am sharing a guest post from my personal trainer Nick from www.personaltraining1to1.co.uk.  Despite the Lock Down, we continue working out together three times a week via video call.  Works surprisingly well and the sessions are just as tough as in a gym.  Seeing Nick regularly does not only keep me fit, it also provides much needed structure for my days in isolation and helps me staying sane!

In this post, Nick describes the mental health benefits of working out during the Lock Down.  He also shares a great work out that you can do at home in just half an hour and without any equipment.

Nick’s post

Two weeks into lock down we have noticed a few changes in ourselves – the life as we know has changed completely. We wake up later, snack more, move less, forget what day it is, interact less with our friends and families and perhaps we are not as positive as we used to be.

Being stuck inside with no face to face communication with friends/ family and even work colleges, it is taking its toll on some of our awesome clients and their loved ones. 

Therefore, I have composed this post to highlight a few reasons why staying active and virtually interacting with people is so important during these difficult times.

The benefits of exercise on your mental health

We all know the benefits that exercise has on our physical health, but we are less aware of how good it can be for our mental well-being too.

So, why exactly is exercise beneficial to our mental health and well-being?

• It reduces anxiety and boosts your mood: When you exercise, your brain chemistry changes and feel good hormones called endorphins are released. These hormones are known to calm anxiety and lift your mood.

• Reduces feelings of stress: Exercise puts stress on your body and produces cortisol (the hormone linked to stress). As you exercise more, your body becomes better at regulating cortisol meaning overall, you will feel less stressed.

• Increased self-esteem and confidence: Feeling fitter and seeing your workouts improve, whether that is getting faster on the treadmill or using heavier weights, can give your confidence a boost. Increased self-esteem is also linked to increased feelings of life satisfaction and can make you more resilient to stress.

• A clearer mind and improved sleep: A bad night’s sleep can really affect how you feel the next day. We have all experienced not being able to nod off due to worrying or over thinking. Exercising is a great way to help stop racing thoughts and is proven to help you sleep better.

• Reduced risk of depression: There is evidence to suggest a trend linking those who are more active with lower rates of depression. Studies show that if you up your exercise sessions to three per week, you can reduce your risk of depression by almost 20%.

• Social benefits: Being around people is good for our mental well-being. Exercising can be a social activity, whether it is working out with a friend (online) or making new ones in a class (online), the combination of interaction and exercising will boost your mood.

While exercising is a great way to lift your mood and improve both your physical and mental well-being, if you are struggling with feelings of depression over a long period you should speak to your doctor, or a trusted family member or friend or even your good old personal trainer.

During these uncertain times its extremely important we stick together. 

You can start right now

Here is a killer home work to get you started right away. It only takes about 30 minutes and you don’t need any equipment.

Email me if you have any questions about the workout.

If you are fully committed to your fitness, then let’s talk about how we can support you. Most people find they simply don’t push themselves as hard as a personal trainer would, and we can do this very effectively via video call.  We can also create a bespoke program for, a nutritional plan and make sure that you stay on track with your fitness goals 

Our online personal training is getting stronger and stronger and gives our amazing clients structure and routine while keeping them active. If you are interested, please contact us at enquiries@personaltraining1to1.co.uk. We have an amazing offer on.

We would love your feedback. 

If you have time, please email your answers to the following questions to enquiries@personaltraining1to1.co.uk.

• Have you changed the way you train during the last month?

• Have you changed your personal targets in the last month?

• How has your crisis affected your fitness…and your fitness affected your resilience in any way?

• What have you learned about yourself, your training and your goals over this period?

If you have any questions please contact us about anything, and if you are stuck and need emergency food pls let us know we can help.

Stay Safe & Stay Inside

Nick and the Team of Personal Training 1 to1

Featured lead image by LA Photography Studio

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