COVID-19 has affected our lives in many ways, such as working out.  Exercise is a key factor to staying healthy, but it’s tricky when gyms are closed, or you feel uncomfortable going to the gym during this time.  Personally, I like working out, but because of personal reasons, I have been working out at home instead.  Here are some ways I have been working out at home/dorm during this time that may help you if you are curious about trying some home workouts.  

To be clear, I am not a personal trainer. I’m just a regular college student who tries to get some exercise in throughout the week.  It not only helps me physically but also mentally.  I know you probably have heard this countless times, but it does.  The thoughts of how many assignments I have to do or that I really should do some cleaning leave when I’m exercising.  When I’m exercising, I’m focusing on how I’ll finish the workout when I’m struggling to push through.  Sometimes I have to verbally yell “You can do this!” to finish whatever workout I’m doing, (I challenge you to try it and see what happens).   

Like a lot of college students, I try to find the best deal with my tight budget.  YouTube has become my best friend.  You can find videos from yoga to spin classes for free!  Now of course some of these workouts require having some equipment (for example you need a bike for cycling classes) but there are many that only require a workout mat.  I found a great workout mat at TJ Maxx for $12 that can be used for many different types of exercises.  That’s about two cups of coffee at Starbucks (depending on what you order).   

Many have heard of this YouTuber and her challenge workout videos, but it’s because they really do work!  YouTuber, Chloe Ting, has countless workout videos that only require an exercise mat.  From whole body to abs, Ting has at least one workout video that you will find useful in your exercise journey.  Personally, I really like the whole body and lower body workouts the best because when I’m short on time, they provide a great workout.  Each workout video ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.  Did I mention all her workout videos are free?  They have definitely helped me build strength without weights as well as find an outlet for my stress.  Check her out here https://www.chloeting.com/ and try one of her free videos!   

If you are looking for something different than Chloe Ting workouts, you can find many yoga videos to try.  Personally, I don’t have one YouTuber I like over the other for yoga.  I just search “yoga videos” and pick the one that relates to me that day.  The other day I was feeling stiff from working, like many, at a desk hunched over a computer doing homework or working remotely.  I did a couple of different videos that day to help relieve some of my stiffness as well as taking a break from whatever I was working on.  I challenge you to try one yoga video after a long session on your computer and see how you feel afterward.  Short on time?  Yoga with Adriene has a great office yoga video that is less than 15 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-8FvC3GD8c.  Both of these options I have been able to do in a small space.  If you have room to lay an exercise mat, you have room to do these workouts.   

Lastly, Kaleigh Cohen is a go-to if you have access to a spin bike.  Cohen has videos ranging from beginner to advance cycling sessions that range in time as well.  During winter break, I was at home and my family fortunately has a spin bike we found used in great shape.  I haven’t taken many spin classes, and the ones I have taken I did not enjoy very much.  I’m not sure if it was the newness of cycling or being in a class setting, but I didn’t go back after a couple of times.  Cohen has made me enjoy cycling! Her instructions are clear and she stresses proper form and knowing your limits.  Cohen isn’t afraid to say to viewers that it’s okay if they can’t finish the video or if they need to modify it to fit their needs.  Cohen also has videos on strengthening with and without weights for those who do not have access to a spin bike.  Check her out here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChY_9WJx0saa0St48lSdytQ.   

Now, these are not the only videos on YouTube.  Personally, since the videos are free on YouTube, I subscribe to those who I return to often to support and thank the person who’s videos I’m using for exercise.  I didn’t mention the workout subscriptions you can purchase like Beach Body for a monthly or an annual fee.  Everyone has different needs and goals when exercising.  Do what you enjoy because you will be more likely to stick to that routine.            

Brianna Mayhair is the Dakota Student News Editor. She can be reached at [email protected]