Fitness motivation for independent contractors
If you’re not motivated to exercise right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are having trouble prioritizing our health amid the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, exercise can help boost your overall well-being, which ultimately helps you do your job better. We’ve got a wide range of free and low-cost ideas to help keep independent contractors moving.
Working out during the pandemic
If you do opt to work out in person at a fitness facility, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing a gym that uses good ventilation practices, wipes down frequently touched surfaces, requires staff and attendees to wear face masks, and encourages people to maintain a six-foot distance from each other. The guidance also suggests gym-goers attend at off-peak hours, if possible, keep sessions brief, wash their hands often, and limit high-intensity activity to the outdoors.
If you don’t feel comfortable working out at a fitness facility but want to engage with and support your local studio or gym, visit their website or social media channels to learn about virtual classes. Many fitness facilities offer online classes via Instagram Live, Zoom, and other streaming services. As a bonus, these online courses are often taught at a discounted rate!
Go outside
One of the big advantages of being an independent contractor is flexibility in setting your work schedule. Make the most of your time off by heading outdoors! Take a walk, go on a hike, swim, bike — but remember to maintain a safe distance.
Create a home gym
Staying home doesn’t mean you can’t work up a sweat. This article from Bicycling.com offers ideas for using typical household items as workout equipment. Or consider investing in a home weight set. Many workouts don’t require equipment, like this free 7-minute session from The New York Times.
Give restorative fitness a try
Life can be stressful for gig economy workers, especially during a pandemic. Instead of focusing on achieving an ideal body type, hone-in on being your best self. Take care of your physical and emotional health with practices that focus on whole-body wellness, like yoga. Support your local studio, or try free yoga videos from Adriene Mishler. Yoga Journal also offers free sequences, organized by level.
Workout with free fitness apps
Exercise is easier when it’s integrated into your everyday life. Use this article from Glamour to test out free fitness apps guaranteed to freshen up your workout routine. Programs include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), dance classes, bodyweight workouts, and more.
Workout while doing your chores
Home improvement projects, like painting, yard work, and heavy-duty cleaning, are serious calorie burners. Make the most of your free time by checking off your to-do list as you exercise. For tips on turning ordinary housework into a core workout, check out this article by Maria Antoinette.
All information is based on publicly available data at the time of publication