Way back at the start of 2020, none of us could have predicted the impact that COVID-19 would have on our lives over the next 18 months and beyond
COVID Kilos - Exercising to Lose Them...
Since then we have dealt with lockdowns, ever-changing restrictions, toilet paper shortages, QR codes, borders opening and closing at the drop of a hat, and much more.
Being human, we have all found our own unique ways to cope. Some of us have renovated or decorated our homes, taken up hobbies like baking or craft, or welcomed pets into our lives. Activewear has become standard work-from-home attire. And we are all Zoom experts by now!
The great news is, adding even a small amount of exercise back into your daily routine will have multiple benefits.
But many of us have also taken up emotional eating in response to the stress and anxiety of living through a global pandemic, and for many of us, this has led to unwanted and unwelcome COVID Kilos. Those essential trips to the supermarket have become missions to stockpile snacks, while food delivery has become a regular habit rather than an occasional treat. Reaching for comfort food is a normal response to uncertainty and insecurity, plus spending more time at home means we are also likely to have become less active.
If you have piled on the COVID kilos over the past 18 months, you may find this has been adding to your anxiety and had a negative impact on your sense of wellbeing. It’s easy to see how this can lead to a downward spiral and reinforce the habit of emotional eating.
Great news is, adding even a small amount of exercise back into your daily routine will have multiple benefits. The endorphins and other neurotransmitters released during exercise will help lift your mood, increase your energy levels, and motivate you to make other positive changes in your life to help you shift those newly acquired COVID kilograms.
The first step is often the hardest, so start small and set realistic expectations for your progress. Even a five-minute walk each day is a good start, and you can gradually build up from there.
Incorporating a mix of cardio and weights or resistance exercise will increase the benefits of exercise even further, as muscle growth can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Also look for opportunities to increase the amount of incidental exercise throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away when you visit the supermarket, and dance while you’re doing the housework.
Remember to stay hydrated, and make sure you establish good sleep routines to complement your exercise efforts and maximise your weight loss results.
Of course, nutrition and diet is going to be critical when trying to shift COVID kilos so make sure you understand the role nutrition plays in helping you achieve your weight loss goals.
Most important of all, be gentle on yourself. It may have taken many months to accumulate your excess weight, so don’t expect to be able to drop the kilos quickly. A regular fitness routine and small changes in your daily habits will be far more sustainable than embarking on a crash diet and extreme exercise plan.
Feeling inspired? You might also like to read more of our Tips and Tricks When Exercising for Weight Loss.
BeFit Hire agents are experts in fitness equipment, and are ready to help you choose the right home exercise equipment to achieve your weight loss goals. The BeFit Hire range includes upright and recumbent exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and manual and programmable cross-trainers
With more than 50 years as a family business, customer service is our focus and we invite you to get in touch to discuss your needs. Our equipment is available for purchase or hire and we have flexible payment options available.
Free delivery to most of metro Adelaide and Melbourne is available for most hire periods. Your safety and health is important to us, and your BeFit agent will test, clean and disinfect your hire equipment before delivery. Contactless delivery is available on request if you are in voluntary or medically directed self-isolation.
Photos from Shutter Stock
