Top tips on how everyone can stay fit in the winter lockdown

So how can we make sure we keep our fitness levels up during a winter in lockdown?

Walking and running

You can’t beat getting outside in the fresh air to clear your head, add in the opportunity to burn some calories and you are on to a winner. If you want to make sure you are pushing your fitness levels; fix a route, time it and then aim to beat it every time. Once you have knocked time off, extend the route and to see your cardio ability really progress, add in some hills. Remember, wrapping up in the right fitness gear is essential. Layer up and protect the extremities. Invest in the right footwear and keep an eye on the weather, knowing the ground may be slippery could be a life saver. And if going out in the dark r eflective clothing is vital to ensure you stay seen and safe.

Online training

Don’t fancy heading outside in the cold, no problem. There is a huge choice of online training available and quite often for free. From High Intensity Interval Training, Yoga, martial arts, dance classes, there really is something for everyone. For increased accountability, find a programme with live classes so you get the buzz from the instructor and the other attendees in the moment.

Get busy in the house

Talk about killing two birds with one stone, housework can burn up to 170 calories an hour. DIY can be double that. If you have a little project you want to get done in the house it can be a great benefit to your fitness levels as well as your home comforts.

Help Others

If ever there was a time to spread the kindness, it is now, and what better way to get fit than by helping others. Contact a local dog kennels and help with walking the dogs or join a charity like Goodgym.org, where you can complete a run while delivering essential items to vulnerable people in your community.

Relaxation

If we want to be in the best shape possible it is about making sure we find time to take the heart rate down. Book in time each week to just relax. These moments of quiet can restore the peace in your mind and give you the break you deserve.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.