Covid-19 lockdown is something that most people around the world have had to put up with recently. Luckily, it is now starting to ease for many and this is starting to allow people to return to some kind of normality. One thing that many have noticed though is the amount of extra weight they have put on over this period! The combination of working from home, no gyms and evenings on the couch have really caught up with a lot of us! If you have noticed this yourself, you will be keen to ditch this extra weight now you are starting to get back to normal.
The best way to go about doing this is with exercise. Here are the ten most effective workouts to ditch lockdown weight you can try out now.
10 – Aerobics
If you want to start working out post-lockdown in a gentler way, aerobics is a great starting place. Although you may think this is all leg warmers and big hair, aerobics can give decent results in terms of weight loss. The combination of high intensity movements and challenging routines are ideal for helping you to ditch those extra pounds you have put on lately. Aerobics sessions can last from 30 minutes up to an hour. You could go to a class at your local gym if open but there are lots of DVDs you could pop on at home to workout to instead if you prefer.
09 – Running
If you want a quick, simple yet very effective way to burn off some lockdown weight then running is hard to beat. The great thing about this activity is that you do not need to spend lots of money to do it and can do it almost anywhere. If you prefer to run inside, hopping onto a treadmill is fine. If you do not want to buy a treadmill though and prefer being out in the fresh air, you can run anywhere that is safe. From your local estate to beaches or parks, most places are great for running around. Running not only helps you to tone up but is also superb for burning calories.
08 – Cycling
Definitely one of the best ways to get back in shape after lockdown is cycling. As with running, the real beauty with cycling is that it is simple to do and easy to get going with. Once you have your bike and helmet, there will be lots of places close to you where you can ride in peace. Naturally, the less traffic the better! Cycling works your leg muscles hard and this helps to tone them up. When you also add in the workout it gives to your heart, lungs and general endurance, it is really worth thinking about. If you find exercising in your front room a chore, hopping onto your bike can make it all much more fun.
07 – Weight Training
This is one suggestion which always raises an eyebrow with people. After all, how can lifting weights and building muscle help you lose weight? The simple fact is that the effort your body uses to lift weights burns off lots of calories. This is not only at the time but also in the immediate aftermath of your workout. Lifting weights can raise your metabolic rate which is how fast you burn calories while not exercising. By raising this rate, you are helping to get rid of fat and avoid putting anymore on when not working out. This means that you will lose weight from this type of training overall, even with muscle weighing more than fat or your muscles being more defined.
06 – Yoga
Like weight training above, yoga is another workout that can seem odd as a weight loss tool. With the emphasis being on slow movements and single postures held for many minutes, it would not seem to have the physical exertion needed to burn fat. This is not true though! Yoga is a fine weight loss activity and can help you get back to your pre-lockdown size. Not only does the intense stretching in yoga postures burn calories effectively but yoga also teaches you to be more mindful in normal life. This means you are less likely after practicing yoga to grab processed snacks which you do not need or are bad for you. Yoga is also ideal to practice from your own home and does not need lots of time or equipment to do.
05 – Pilates
Getting back in shape after lockdown need not involve intense effort or expensive equipment. Pilates is ideal to practice at home if classes are not on in your area again yet. It is similar to yoga in that it relies on stretching your body and holding positions to tone up. These exercises target your core muscle groups and help you burn lots of calories in each session. As well as weight-loss, pilates is superb for making your body stronger, more flexible and improving your balance.
04 – Rowing
Don’t worry if you are not near to any rivers – rowing can be done on an indoor rowing machine. There are lots of these on the market and you can pick a good quality one up at reasonable prices now. Of course, if gyms are open in your area again, then many will have rowing machines in to use. Rowing is a great exercise for weight-loss and burns around 500 calories per hour. It is also a whole body workout which is particularly good for toning up the arms, legs, bum and chest. If you add in bursts of flat out speed for 30 seconds at a time, you will really feel the burn.
03 – Swimming
Swimming is a great option to try out when attempting to lost lockdown weight. Not only does it help you burn lots of calories but it is low impact as well. This is ideal for those who worry about the effects that activities like running may have on their joints over time. It is also a great activity for people with existing conditions like bad backs. Combining cardio and strength training in one handy package, swimming will really force your body to work hard and see the weight come off. Even better, the water in the pool adds an element of resistance which sees more of your muscles toned and sculpted as a result. If you are having trouble with arms and legs which have gone a little flabby over lockdown, swimming is a great activity for targeting these areas.
02 – Boxing
Surely one of the best workouts to lose weight, add muscle and get in top shape is boxing. Don’t worry – you do not have to get involved with sparring or even going to a proper boxing gym, if you do not want too. Boxing classes can be great fun though as you get to workout with other people and get direct tuition from experienced boxers. If you prefer to workout at home though by yourself, it is still a great way to get your weight back to where you want it. Boxing training usually involves a range of individual activities like skipping, working the punch bags, lifting weights and doing push-ups. These help all areas of your body to get in shape and will see you looking better than ever.
01 – Thai Boxing
While this might be similar to boxing above, Thai boxing adds in knees, kicks and elbows for even more fat busting results. By the time you have done various conditioning exercises like sit-up’s to get warm and put some combinations down on the Thai pads or heavy bag, you will be really feeling just how good this workout is for you. Like boxing, this is an activity that works your whole body and will not only see you lose weight but also tone up, look more defined and build strength into your bones. Over a period of time this is a great way to look and feel healthier while also slimming down.
If you have noticed a little extra weight appear over lockdown that you now need to shift, don’t worry! The above workouts are amazing for burning calories, losing fat and getting you generally toned up again. Choose one that you will have fun doing and remember to workout 2 to 3 times per week. If you keep this up for a sustained period, you should find the excess weight drops off.