It’s certainly a new and unexpected time that we’re facing – but it doesn’t mean we can’t stay on track with being active and trying new ways of exercising. This is especially true when it comes to staying physically active. Whether it’s making the decision to take more walks outside or finally trying a workout class from home, you have options.

Keep reading to get some quick tips (and tricks) for staying active, and stay focused on your and your family’s well-being.

Easy ways to stay active that don’t require equipment

It’s important to stay active, especially when we’re limited in the types of activities we can pursue. We’ve got you covered when it comes to ideas to keep yourself moving.

  • Commit to walking outside and taking new routes: Whether you’re walking by yourself or with your family, try to get outside once a day (weather permitting) and take a walk. Pick a new route near your home by trying new streets or trails. Make it extra fun and create a scavenger hunt with your kids or make a list of things to find while walking.
  • Prioritize gardening or lawn work: Prefer to stay within your own yard? Make a list that prioritizes yard work. Get the lawnmower ready for the summer and put away winter equipment like shovels and snow blowers. Once you’re ready for summer, consider starting a garden. Even tending to a container garden can provide a good reason to get outside each day, and if you decide to grow fruit, veggies or herbs you’re one step closer to a tasty dinner.
  • Create workout stations in your yard: Pick a few spots around your yard and make stations. Walk or run to each station and select a bodyweight activity (squats, jumping jacks, jumps, etc.). Move to the next station and complete. See how long it takes you to work through your stations, and try to beat your first time the second time through! Bad weather? No problem, move around your home to music.

While finding new ways to be active, remember to avoid crowded areas and stay at least 6 feet away from other people. If you’re not sure whether or not an area will be crowded, try to take a drive around and check things out. Note times when public areas are less crowded and see if it works with your family’s schedule.

Tips for choosing a new workout

If you’re missing sessions with your trainer, early morning classes at the gym or your weekly runs with your running group – you’re not alone. Adjusting your workouts during this unknown time can feel a bit overwhelming. The good news is, there are also many on-demand fitness programs that you can easily find. Take some time and pick a program/class that best fits your activity level.

There are many great online fitness options ranging in skill level with programs offered for free by:

  • YMCA 12 Bursts: Stay active with 5-minute activity bursts that you can do anytime, anywhere. These are great for the entire family and can be done as many times a day as you want!
  • YMCA 360: Find and browse all YMCA classes and stream from your computer or smartphone.
  • CorePower Yoga: Keep up with yoga classes and browse by class type.

    • Note that many at-home workouts can be done with minimal equipment. If you need weights (but don’t have them), reach for a can of soup or fill a backpack with some books. Any type of movement will help!

    Activities for HealthPartners Plan Members

    If you’re a HealthPartners Plan Member, check out the 10,000 Steps® tracking activity. Get started by signing in to healthpartners.com, click the “Healthy Living tab” under “My Plan”, then click “Go to your well-being program” and locate the 10,000 Steps® activity. You can browse other activities and get resources within your well-being account.