5 mood-boosting ways to exercise when you really don’t feel like it

It’s lockdown, I get it, things are bad enough – now I’m asking you to think about exercise?

Yes indeedy. The reason? You’ll feel better afterwards. I promise. If you don’t, you can have your money ba-…erm. Moving on.

I know you’ll be busy juggling working from home, cleaning, cooking, washing, probably home-schooling and trying to keep it all together. I understand, you’ve got a lot on your plate.

But, there’s this little magical bullet that will make it all feel a lot better – exercise.

Those feel-good endorphins aren’t mucking around. The proven benefits of exercise on concentration, improved sleep, energy levels etc. are hard to refute.

And I promise you, no one cares about:

-       how you look

-       how fast you run

-       how much you wobble in yoga

-       how much your face goes red [I go a yummy shade of tomato]

-       how sweaty you get

People are too busy trying to keep 2 metres away and dreaming up ways to get through all the binge-worthy TV to worry about you. OK, let’s get moving.

Yoga

Such a wonderful way to move, to breathe and to feel connected to your body.

With the temporary closure of studios, many classes and teachers are moving online – either offering classes over YouTube or IG lives or studios providing Zoom classes with their regular teachers.

After years of yoga-phobia, I’ve finally clicked and found my feet. This was mostly down to finding the teachers I clicked best with.

Katy Bateman is one such teacher. She’s warm, soothing and explains everything so clearly. When she says, ‘you might be feeling your X lifting like Y’, I’m always like ‘yessssssssss’.

She’s running her usual hatha and flow classes through the Yogarise Studio. You can book here.

I also adore Steffy White’s IG lives. Gentle, nourishing, kind.

Finally, an old favourite – Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. She has an extensive catalogue so you can choose a class to suit your mood / the area you want to work on. I’m always trying to straighten out my tight hammies.

Walking

Hands down one of my favourite forms of movement is the humble walk. Why? It’s accessible to all (pavement + shoes permitting), it’s free, you can go at whatever pace feels good to you.

BONUS: For my type 1 pals out there, walking is awesome at lowering blood sugars if they’re high. Just 30 minutes is all you need to get those sugars back to a normal range. And it happens gently too, so you can make sure those sugars don’t drop too low.

Dancing!

One of the best ways to move IMO, dancing is an ‘any time, any place’ kind of thing. Very accessible! A few things you’ll need:

-       A playlist or excellent radio station

-       Singing to accompany said dancing, optional

-   Enough space to fling your arms around 

Getting your groove on is a great way to get those steps in, if that’s your thing, raise your heart rate and get you feeling good.

I am a personal fan of this playlist on Spotify  and the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on Radio 6 Music.

Do an online class

Home workouts have become the norm now. There really isn’t cause for concern if your neighbours see you jumping around in your garden, or wearing lycra to put the bins out.

Some of my favourite classes:

-       Claire from Movement for Mums offers free lunchtime workouts via her Facebook and Instagram platforms. No equipment necessary! I always feel better after a bit of movement with Claire.

-       POPSUGAR Fitness videos are perfect if you’re looking for something cheesy [with added Mr Motivator vibes. If you don’t get this reference, send me a message and I’ll enlighten you.]

-       Psycle are offering free home workouts via IG Lives. They’re doing strength training and barre classes – a great chance for you to try out Psycle in the comfort of your home.

Running

Not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but even 10 minutes is enough of a leg-stretch to get you away from your desk and get your blood pumping.

Top tips:

-       Don’t think you need to do a half marathon. Go at your own pace. 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 50 minutes – you do you

-       Put on some good tunes to bounce along to

-       Remember to breathe

-       Do a mix of running and walking if that’s more comfortable

That’s a wrap

You deserve to find ways to move that suit you. It’s important to move in ways that nourish, not punish, you. In doing this, and finding movement that works for you, you’ll be able to boost your motivation and continue to exercise regardless of how cosy the sofa seems.

Let me know how you get on below! I’d love to know your favourite ways to exercise!