SUAMICO, Wis. (NBC 26) -- People don't have to take a break from their workouts just because fitness centers are closed. There are many ways people can workout at home using common household items.
Dealing with the coronavirus situation can be a stressful time and many like to use fitness as an outlet for stress, but with many gyms and other fitness studios closing, it can seem more difficult to get a good sweat in.
"The great thing about having a structured class you go to or personal trainer is there's a time you’re supposed to go do it, and now with this uncertainty, people are having a hard time. They almost have too much time, so they don't know when to build certain things into it," said Dr. Bryan Schwebke, a physical therapist and the founder of Paramount Performance.
He said this could actually be a good time for people to try to get their fitness back on track, especially knowing people are likely sitting at home or on a computer working from home.
"That's going to lead to more aches and pains and maybe things that people were dealing with and could get by with in the past as just an annoyance is now going to become a real pain, so we need to stay on top of that so we don't have this ban lifted and some point and now we're worse off than when we started," added Schwebke.
Robin Nelson, a yoga instructor at Yoga Hut, said people can workout using just five simple household items. A blanket can be folded up and used as a cushion and foundation. A belt or strap can be used to keep a pillow folded up and used as a bolster. Those straps can also be used to stretch out different muscles. A towel can be used as a yoga mat. Books can be used as blocks, and socks can be used as sliders to do moves like mountain climbers.
Nelson also said her biggest takeaway in the last few days has been to give yourself some grace during this time.
"Take the time to just reconnect with what you're doing right and allow yourself to celebrate the little victories. It's not all about what we need to do to improve. It's about what you're already doing that's boosting you and keeping you healthy already," added Nelson.
