Gyms are opening up, but there will be lots of restrictions in place for awhile, including reduced capacity, changes to group fitness, and more tba. Outdoor or at home workouts may still be your best option until things get back to normal.
I’m a gym person. Whether working out on my own, or going to fitness class, or playing a sport, a gym is MY place for exercise. I know that as soon as I walk in the door, there’s nothing else that I need to do there, other than exercise.
But right now, at home workout options are my only choice, and it’s been going well! I’ve successfully exercised at least 5/7 days since we’ve been home. I used to skip Saturdays and Sundays workouts, but since I barely know what day it is anymore, I don’t automatically take weekends off. Best of all, now I KNOW I can get in a great workout at home – which makes it easier to get started.
I’ve gathered a list of resources to utilize during this time at home so I have plenty of opportunities to mix up my routines. I’ve even included a few kids exercise options at the bottom – sometimes it’s just easier to do workouts all together to get it done.
If you are aware of any other great options – especially local fitness establishments – who are free sharing online workouts, please leave a comment!
image via Pixabay, credit stevepb
Tips for getting it done
Plan. You need to have a flexible idea of when you are going to exercise. Otherwise, it’s 10:30 pm and you’re too tired. Get up before the kids, wait until your spouse gets home, or do the workout after the kids go to bed. If you prefer to workout during the day, do it while the kids are watching TV or a movie, or doing educational apps on their phone. You can exercise with your kids (see kids workouts below), or head outside to exercise while they play. Below I have options that include workouts as short as 5-10 minutes for all abilities and capabilities, so there’s really no excuse if you truly want to get it done.
Choose a workout ahead of time. Try to decide what you’ll do the day before, so you don’t end up scrolling options for an hour and using up all of your time. It may be best to make a schedule; something like Monday – full body (weights/bodyweight exercises), Tuesday – yoga, Wednesday – walk or run outside, etc.
Get outside! With so many workouts being live streamed or on demand, you can watch or listen to the workouts on your phone outside! You’ll get fresh air (possibly sunshine) and will get out of the house for a bit. This is especially effective if you have kids who can play outside. Yesterday I took 2 sets of dumbbells and my yoga mat outside and followed along to a interval training Facebook workout while my kids rode bikes in the driveway. Did I have to stop a couple of times for a few (very) minor bike wrecks? Yes, but I still did the work and definitely broke a sweat.
Online, Live Streaming, and App-Based Home Fitness Options
The Yoga Loft Facebook Live Videos
The Yoga Loft in Columbus is sharing Facebook Live videos of yoga classes so you can practice at home.
Jade Yoga and Wellness in Worthington
Join the Facebook group for live yoga classes from your favorite instructors daily.
Centered Yoga + Movement in Worthington
They are offering classes on YouTube
YMCA 360: Your Virtual YMCA
The YMCA has created an on-demand healthy living network called YMCA 360, which includes virtual programs that can be accessed anywhere. Get connected to the YMCA 360 YouTube Channel at www.YMCA360.org.
There is a mix of great workouts available—barre, boot camp, workouts for active adults—and more to come, including programs for kids and families!
Planet Fitness
For a limited time, Planet Fitness is offering free online workouts with their Home Work-Ins. These are streamed live on the Facebook page everyday at 7 pm EST, or follow along with the replay at your convenience. just launched Home Work-Ins. Free online workouts will be offered for a limited time streamed via Facebook live. Just visit their Facebook page at 7 p.m. EST to join in — or watch them later, as replays will be available.
Yoga with Adrienne
I’ve done quite a few yoga workouts through this YouTube channel. Her yoga is for all abilities, and is there is truly something for everyone. There are short and long options, yoga focusing on specific areas of the body, or that is for dealing with specific injuries or emotional needs. Pick any, or work your way through one of her 30 day programs.
Peloton App
You may not have a fancy Peloton bike or treadmill, but there is still a lot for you on the Peloton App. Normally $12.99, they are offering the first 90 days for free right now. Peloton offers a variety of live fitness classes that you can filter by type, length, time and fitness level. You must register with a credit card, and will be charged after 90 days if you don’t cancel. Mark it on the calendar or set an alert for the trial period is up. If you aren’t good at remembering to cancel after trial periods, you may want to skip this one.
Nike Training Club App
Offering everything from bodyweight-only to full-equipment workouts for everyone at all fitness levels. There is a free plan with 200+ workouts, or a premium plan for $14.99/mo.
FitOn: Fitness Workout Plans App
Take your FREE workout wherever you go with the FitOn app. There are live classes, on demand, challenges, and more. You can select time, intensity, target area and more. They’ll even set up a fitness plan based on your goals and stats – with optional reminders so you can’t just say that you forgot. Apple Google
Fitness Blender
SO MANY FREE workouts on Fitness Blender. You can narrow your search by choosing difficulty level, body focus, training type (HIIT, strength, pilates, cardio, etc), equipment available, length of time, and more! There are no excuses! You can ask for a 10 minute workout with no equipment, and you’ll have 126 choices! Let’s face it….you have 10 minutes these days.
CLUB FITz
Recommended by a friend/cardio dance instructor who was a member at CLUB FITz (and is seen in some of the videos!), this YouTube Hip Hop dance channel will get you moving! Scroll through the video and pick a favorite song or three, or pick a playlist with a full workout. Dance like no one is watching – because it’s probably just your dog or kids. You may feel silly and like you can’t follow along at first, but after doing a song a few times, you’ll start to remember the movements.
POPSUGAR Fitness
POPSUGAR Fitness offers all types of workouts on YouTube, including Zumba, HIIT, Standing Barre, Core, and more.
Movement and Exercise for Kids and Family
Get outside! Seriously, it’s the best option. Play in the yard, go to a park, go for a hike, ride bikes, etc – there are so many options where you can keep your distance. You may want to avoid playground equipment, but there is plenty to do at the park. Take a frisbee, fly a kite, walk the trails, take your own soccer ball or basketball (or other sports equipment).
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Fun themed yoga workouts for kids, including Frozen, Trolls, Star Wars, Animals, and kid-friendly resources for dealing with life situations and more! The workouts are around 30 minutes, and may hold school aged kids attention a little better. My 6 year old loves them, but my 4 year old only joins in occasionally.
Moe Jones Fitness Videos for All Ages
We haven’t done any of the Moe Jones videos yet, but they were recommended, and there are a lot of options.
GoNoodle
Do kids need a break to get the wiggles our in between at-home school work or boredom? Turn on GoNoodle! The website and app provide movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts to help get kids moving! You’ll find creative movement, Kids Bop videos, kids Zumba, Think about It lessons, and more. We use the app on roku to stream the videos on our TV, and the kids LOVE dancing along.
What are your favorite at-home workout options for yourself or with kids? Leave a comment or email info@columbusonthecheap.com so we can add them to the list!
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- Virtual offerings with the Wexner Center for the Arts
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