With gyms closing, it’s hard to get a good workout unless you have home gym. I feel like springtime is when people like to rev up their fitness routine because summer comes faster than we think. Also, not everyone has the money to make last-minute investments into workout equipment.

My brother is the biggest gym rat I know and he purchased two 70-pound kettlebells online for almost $300. We have an old exercise mat somewhere in our basement, he has resistance bands, and has been using bricks for other weights.

I’m not at THAT level of devotion for working out, but I’ve done a few things to at least try to keep active.

1. Taking walks: When the weather permits, I like to go for walks. Whether it’s with my dog or a friend, you can never go wrong with a walk around town. It’s good to get some fresh air after we’ve all been cooped up during this time. 

2. YouTube videos and workout challenges: I’m the first to knock workout challenges on Instagram. It feels like half of my followers have participated in the push-up challenge. I actually tried to do this and came to the realization that I can’t do a single pushup unless it’s a modified version. This made me set a new goal for myself – to do one full pushup by the end of the year.

3. Yoga: Some say this isn’t a workout, but yoga is a great way to relax and there are so many beginner videos if you don’t know where to start. There are more intense versions that get you sweating, but there are some slower ones too if you’re just looking to relax.

As if it’s not anymore obvious, COVID-19 also known as coronavirus, has changed the way we’re all living for possibly the next two months.

My roommate and I abruptly went back to our hometowns for the time being. For her, that’s near Detroit, and for me that’s only a 40 minute drive to the Chicago suburbs. We tried to pack everything we would need for a few weeks, but hoping we’d get to return back to normal life after March 30th.

One thing I’ve noticed is that young people do not understand what social distancing means. Social distancing is to prevent others who are older and immunocompromised from getting sick. Social distancing is not going on spring break to Miami, it’s not taking leisure flights, and it’s not hanging out at the beach. 

Of course, social distancing helps with staying healthy, but so does astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is “red carotenoid pigment found in certain marine plants and animals” per NHC.com.

It helps your immune system, brain, eyes, heart, exercise recovery, and more!

With all things going on with coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings. I’m not a doctor, but I am a hypochondriac and someone who’s already a bit of a neatfreak. Here are a few tips to stay extra clean during this time.

1. Washing your hands frequently: I already do this and I feel like others should too (or one would think they would), but washing them for at least 20 seconds right after touching something that could’ve been touched by many is key. Living in Chicago, I use public transportation just about every single day and have to grab the metal pole on the train while standing – so the first thing I do when exiting is find a place to wash my hands or sanitize them, and then wash.

1. Wiping down gym equipment: Again, this should be something people do anyways but I’ve seen people who just sweat their bodyweight out in water on the stationary bike and don’t bother to wipe it up. Wipe your equipment down before and after using it. 

1. Avoid touching your face: This one is kind of funny because I find that whenever we’re told not to do something, the urge to do it is stronger. My eyes itch all the time and it’s very hard for me not to rub them. 

1. Load up on vitamins: Vitamins are often neglected even though they should be taken. A great one to take is turmeric. Turmeric aids in building stronger immunity,  respiratory health, heart health, and more.

In the meantime, check out some animal puns to help ease any anxiety you might be feeling when watching the news.