Four simple ways to keep your family motivated during lockdown
By Elizabeth Hylands, Cura Fitness
January is usually a time where we put in place our New Year health goals but, this year, motivation has already waned thanks to Lockdown 3.0. Not only are gyms shut and the weather chillier, but many of us are having to homeschool our children, on top of juggling work and everyday life tasks.
As a mum of two lovely daughters and wife to a busy husband, I have been contemplating how we can remain motivated during this lockdown, as a family. Here are my top tips…
1. Get outside
Exposure to nature not only makes us feel better emotionally and mentally, but it also contributes to our physical wellbeing – reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
My eldest daughter and I have a routine of getting out for a mid-morning walk together. Not only does the fresh air help, but it gives us quality time together away from school work. We look forward to it, as it becomes part of our routine and we set a daily challenge on how many steps we will take. No matter rain, shine or snow, we will always try to get outside for that walk.
2. Family fitness sessions
Life is all about Zoom now, and with families meeting online for catch-ups and quizzes, why not complete a few live or on-demand workouts, or invest in an online personal trainer who can make a plan for you, your friends and your family to do together virtually. My kids love joining in on my workouts and particularly enjoy jumping jacks, sprints and even burpees!
The fact the onus is on a number of you to commit to the sessions will keep you all motivated with something to look forward to.
3. Keep mentally active
Staying motivated during lockdown is not only about caring for our physical health but our mental health, too. Keep your brain active by reading, taking an online course (many great family baking courses are doing the rounds at the moment), participating in family quizzes or games, or cooking tasty, colourful meals together, perhaps trying out new cuisines from around the world.
4. Positive mind talk
And most importantly… talk positively to yourself. Positive mind talk is hugely important, as kids mirror what they see and hear from you. Be kind to yourself, as you are simply doing the best that you can.
Elizabeth Hylands owns a boutique female fitness studio, Cura Fitness, which offers online fitness classes, boot camps and small group personal training. Elizabeth is a qualified personal trainer and also holds a level 2 qualification in children’s fitness.
For more information, visit: www.curafitness.com and www.facebook.com/curafitness
