Definitely. Many local gyms are closed due to spiking COVID-19 rates, which, inevitably, throws off the exercise routine of many of us. Never fear, though! There are still many effective ways to get great exercise even if you can’t go to your usual local gym. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway highlights some ways you can stay active and build muscle without the fancy gym equipment.

Are At-Home Workouts Beneficial?

Absolutely! Truthfully, at-home workouts might be just as beneficial as workouts that are done at the gym. Fancy gym equipment looks cool and can be a great tool if used right, but well-executed bodyweight and cardio exercises can be just as, if not more, beneficial to your body. We’ve listed some more reasons to consider at-home bodyweight exercises below.

Reasons Why Bodyweight Exercises Are Beneficial

• Cost-effectiveness. As opposed to expensive gym memberships, bodyweight exercises are free.
• Can burn fat. Most bodyweight exercises are more high-energy, which will work to burn off fat.
• Generally safer. Regardless of your age, gender and current level of fitness, bodyweight workouts will keep your joints and bones healthy and maintain or boost your lean muscle mass, which otherwise starts to deteriorate as you age.

Should I Go Back to My Gym If It’s Open?

Honestly, we’d advise against it for the time being. The CDC has actually deemed gyms high-risk environments, so it’s best to steer clear of them for now. If you choose to go back to your gym, however, it’s important to sanitize workout equipment before and after use in addition to the other health-safety precautions that we’ve listed below to keep yourself and others healthy.

Ways to Stay Sanitary at the Gym

• Wash your hands with soap and water often.
• Wear a mask when possible.
• Remain socially distant from others.
• Avoid using the locker room.
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t readily available.
• Use your own water bottle or other personal items.

Above all, AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway wants you to stay healthy and well this year! If you do find yourself feeling under the weather, don’t hesitate to visit us for your general medical needs.