Lately across Australia we have had the craziest of weather and what I have been living with personally has been this seemingly endless raincloud pouring water overhead and I have no recollection of when it started or any certainty of when it may end. Wet seasons are always tough, and after weeks or months of mud, restricted activities and stir-crazy kids, you really need to get creative on what you can do to manage your mental health better.
Every time I contemplate getting up for a run, I hear the pitter patter caressing my roof and I think about the wet sneakers that will never dry. Okay, maybe I am being a little soft! However, in my defence I have been exploring indoor activities that I will now continue as my weekly workouts and activities that help me feel like the best version of myself.
In this new age we live in with apps at our fingertips, there are platforms for every different stye of physical activity you can think of. As a yoga teacher I am often looking for things that complement the physical side of the practice and recently that has been calisthenics. I love that I can roll out of bed, do some stretches and then in the comfort of my home, or where ever I find myself, I can do these exercises that keep me feeling strong and capable. Calisthenics is a form of strength training that utilises your body weight as resistance to perform multi-joint, compound movements with little or no equipment. Anything I’ve been trying out has been on my mat, no extra equipment required and minimal space needed.
I’ve formulated a list of things you can do in your home when traveling outside is less than ideal. Not all of these workouts need equipment, so depending on what aligns with you, you may find it an investment to purchase what’s needed to get the best out of it.
- Skipping
Skipping or jumping rope is an amazing full body workout that helps strengthen your muscles, improves agility and coordination, improving cardiovascular health, is calorie burning and is time-efficient for those on the run. You don’t require much space and skipping ropes are not super expensive, however the length of the rope can impact your experience and I recommend researching the best length for your height. From my own research I ascertained the rope should be a little on the shorter side, so as to not trip on it.
- Wall Pilates
This very cool workout became ever increasingly popular during the time we were in lockdown and is extremely effective – much the same as calisthenics. Pilates works on strengthening your body, using traditional mat Pilates exercises while utilising a wall for added support, balance and resistance. Pilates is low-impact, is fantastic for strengthening your core, improves flexibility and is easily accessible, as well as cost effective because all you need is some clear floor space up against one of your walls.
- Calisthenics
As previously mentioned, I am a huge fan of this form of a workout. I love workouts that work symbiotically with other practices in your life and help optimise your body’s function in your every day living. By using your body as resistance, that then transfers across to real time activities where you will feel more capable. The biggest difference between Traditional Pilates that uses machines and Calisthenics is that with Calisthenics you don’t need any special equipment and it involves a lot of gymnastic movements/skills, focusing on core exercises. So, if you are someone who wants to build muscle mass and push weight at a higher intensity, calisthenics is for you! But if you are down for a more a more focused, calm form of exercise then perhaps wall Pilates or yoga is more your style.
- Yoga
Yoga incorporates breathwork, meditation, mindfulness and asanas (poses and movements) that help with flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility and a harmonization of your entire being. I would without a doubt recommend everyone single person practicing a form of yoga, in fact I believe it should be taught in schools! There are many ways to practice it now depending on your capability, so if for instance you are coming back from injury or have never stretched or done a workout beyond walking to the fridge, I would suggest looking into ‘Chair’ yoga first. Yoga for beginners is all about utilising tools to assist you and remembering that yoga has nothing to do with gymnastic looking flexibility! Try not to be intimidated by images of people who have been practicing for a very long time and/or have a background in gymnastics or dance. Yoga is about progress, not perfection and through this practice you will deepen your connection to self and by default become more emotionally aware and able to use breathwork to help those emotions pass through you. These skills are truly useful when you are cooped up inside for long periods of time going stir crazy!
- Weights
This is by far the more expensive choice due to needing weights and is also far more intense on your body. When practicing weight workouts, you need to be very clear on how to perform in a safe way to prevent injury and optimise the movements you are practicing. I have also spoken to body builders, as well as those who have been practicing for years as personal preference and what they all have mentioned, is the professional recommendation of their physiotherapists, to utilise yoga or yoga style movements to help with mobility and strengthening of the connective tissues and ligaments, so your body is better supported in lifting heavy weights.
For all of these workout styles, it is important if you have injuries to speak to your health care providers before trying anything new and do research into them, speak to professionals (call the gym or an instructor) and discuss what best suits you. This can become a journey of improving your self-worth, increasing happy hormone release, supporting your over-all wellbeing and giving you something to focus on, when those relentless rainy days seemingly go on forever.
You got this!
Leila Verban, Our Expert
Leila Verban is a creative writer and a qualified Yoga teacher who is the sole owner of Earth Side Yoga. Situated at the base of the Eungella Range, she continues to evolve her practice and refine her skills to incorporate counselling, meditation, energy healing and positive manifestation.
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
- Leila Verban, Our Expert
