There are really only two ways I am coming out of this self-quarantine in Barcelona; a lean machine or in desperate need of a diet.
I planned to only release this blog next week but I guess things have taken a quick turnaround with last night’s 21 day national lock-down announced in South Africa, stricter isolation measures in the UK and many US states being forced to take matters into their own hands.
“I am sure it is only a matter of time before the rest of the free world joins us.”
As the Corona Virus outbreak leaves millions of people trapped in their homes feeling lost and confused, many of us are left without a lot of options to stay fit, healthy and mentally sane. In my attempt to understand if this is even possible while confined to my little apartment - and since I have a more than a little free time on my hands - I have done a fair bit of looking into what at-home workout apps and videos are available. I have to admit though that with being on a tight budget this was not an easy task; even though the world is in crisis there are very few fitness companies stepping in to keep you healthy at a reduced subscription.
Switching to a home workout routine isn't easy -- it takes some space and a lot of motivation. I fortunately have a lot of the one but little of the other 😏. If you still have time available pop into your local sports store and pick up a floor mat and maybe some dumbbells - it’s something I am wishing I could have done (bet you wish you hadn’t sold that useless treadmill or spin bike all those years back).
For me, pretty much new to this regime of indoor training (I would shudder at the concept of this in my “great outdoors” past), and thus my lack of prior knowledge, I found that the best way to start an at-home workout routine is through instructor-led videos. Live or prerecorded, the video sessions are typically 25-45 minutes long and often require little to no fitness equipment which is critical for me, making it easy to jump right in.
My aims are to:
- Find exercises that can be done in a constricted space
- Build and improve on cardio fitness, core strength, toning and flexibility
- Train without the need for any equipment other than my body weight and what I can find in the house
- Follow exercise programs without having to buy or subscribe to expensive applications
- Learn from qualified teachers as I don’t currently have the correct knowledge on right exercise routines or form required - by the end of this I will!
So below is a list of some of my favourite at-home workout and yoga apps to help me achieve my goals – enjoy!
Indoor Fitness Apps
NTC Nike Training
Why I like it: Well done Nike you have created a tool which I can customise according to my needs and they are free. My only complaint is the lack of exercises which do not need equipment.
About the app: The multi-week programs include workouts, nutrition tips and wellness guidance. Each program is made by a Nike Master Trainer aiming at specific results, but is still flexible to suit your new environment. In-depth nutrition and wellness guidance across the five facets of fitness—training, nutrition, recovery, mind-set, and sleep. Features such as challenges of 20 workouts in 28 days, on-demand classes for streaming, studio-style experience or tackle a gym-friendly whiteboard workout.
Pricing: Sessions range from 15-60 minutes and include over 185+ free workouts. Nike has made all of its Nike Training Club Premium workouts free until further notice.
Adidas by Runtastic
Why I like it: I enjoy the news feed and blog as it keeps the content fresh. Customising the amount of time I want to work out for, and the area I want to target, is easy through a simple and clear interface. This allows me to build a weekly plan to follow, based on my level of fitness, and I can even target multiple areas in one workout session.
About the app: There are over 190 different exercises to choose from when building your own custom workout plan as well as 30 pre-built workouts with varying points of focus.
Pricing: The plans and exercises to customise as your own should keep you going for a long time without the need to subscribe at the annual 60 Euro fee.
Carrot Fit
Available on Apple Store Not available on Google Store
Why I like it: Because some days you just need something a little different and fun. While I won’t make it my primary tool I would definitely suggest downloading and using on occasion – when you feel like being punished 😏. My favourite instruction: “pardon me if I don’t roll out the red carpet”.
About the app: The CARROT app describes itself as “your fitness overload”, welcome to 7 minutes in hell! It’s a sadistic AI construct with one simple goal, to transform your flabby carcass into a Grade A specimen of the human race. CARROT will do whatever it takes – including threatening, inspiring, ridiculing, and bribing you – to make this happen. Consists of a selection of 7 minute workouts that are best described as punishing; see how many you can withstand.
Pricing: Free for the next two week (good on them!) and then a once-off purchase of USD 4.99
Indoor Yoga Apps
Daily yoga
Why I like it: I enjoyed the lessons and found the instruction very helpful from not only making sure I was constantly following the correct pose (not easy with my balance) but also reminding me to breath!
About the app: Daily Yoga has one to two-week programs that will help you get into a great routine. There are over 100 yoga and meditation classes available to you to choose from at various levels, allowing you to progress from beginner upwards in as little as two weeks – you might even be a yoga master by the end of it all…
Pricing: This app has a 1 week easy yoga for complete beginners plan. Anything above that has a pro subscription. Upgrading to pro costs 73.99 Euro annually.
Down dog
Why I like it: I love this app! What I like most is the granularity of the options in choosing the type of workout that you want from level of difficulty to time of workout. You can also choose your video quality and instructor’s voice. There is a very neat boost function which allows you to concentrate on one particular area of your body.
About the app: Down Dog has more than 30,000 classes. If you want your yoga practice to be an experience, then this is the app that you should turn to. Every time you complete a sequence, the app creates a fresh new one. Since there is so much content to discover you will never repeat a sequence.
Pricing: Due to the Corona Virus down dog is making all of their applications totally free till the 1st of April. Typically Memberships cost $49.99 per year. So take advantage of their generosity while you can.
Asana Rebel
Why I like it: While I have yet to try Asana myself it is repeatedly rated as one of the best yoga applications across both Apple and Android devices – so I thought I should include it. From what I have seen the video quality and composition is brilliant making it really easy for one to get the postures correct.
About the app: Yoga as fitness is the concept behind Asana Rebel, which features a mix of yoga-inspired workouts to help you get in shape and improve strength, flexibility and balance. Features include guided meditations, high intensity workouts and other challenges.
Pricing: Unfortunately only four free routines, after which a monthly subscription at USD 60 / year is required. Hoping Asana will come to the party soon and open up access during the lock-downs.
PeeBee
I also want to give a shout out to my dear friend @Tamlyn Sullivan, a Cape Town based yoga instructor of incredible experience, who is streaming live, free beginner and intermediate Vinyasa Flow classes using Peebee during this time of lock down – please check her out on Facebook or the Peebee page - access here
And shew if you are still with me you are here because you actually are interested in what I am posting so in summary:
It’s been a great experience not knowing where I am going each day on this journey, both from the discovery of the new muscles I did not know I had and the new interesting poses designed to make me repeatedly fall over. I am using a combination of these tools and thoroughly enjoying what each day brings. While I might look like a complete fool and so totally out of my depth - at least there are no photos for fear of laughter – I am committed. Fortunately when I do mess up I have my amazing physio Shane on WhatsApp favourites! Seriously now, I need this to keep me sane, to keep me both mentally and physically healthy. So if you know of any great tool you can recommend please do leave me a comment - It would be nice to get advice and tips.
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