With gyms closed, here are some tips on how to workout from home

• Workouts can be achieved with bodyweight and dumbbells
• Outdoor physical activity is a great option
• Positive for mental health

Gyms can be a place to blow off steam, stay in shape, and forget about the stresses of the day.

But not at the moment.

Current restrictions to help stem the spread of COVID-19 mean we are having to make do with simpler workouts at home.

Kelowna10 spoke with UBCO certified group fitness instructor, Maria Raitt, about some simple exercises people can do without expensive equipment, and for tips on maintaining fitness from home.

“When you’re doing your fitness at home, you want to get a full body workout,” Raitt said.

This means focusing on fundamental movements such as push, pull, hinge, squat, and carry.

If you want to get cardio in at home, Raitt recommends stationary movements such as jumping jacks, high knees, burpees, and mountain climbers.

“Do them in intervals with periods of rest or light recovery,” Raitt added.

The most important things to have is a fitness mat, as well as a set of dumbbells, Raitt said. She added you can pretty much do anything with just your body.

“Don’t do too much exercise too soon. Listen to your body - especially because there is no trainer around to help you,” Raitt said.

She suggests doing research and looking up fun ways to do body weight exercises that hit different muscles.

Raitt added this is a great opportunity to use the outdoors.

“Go skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country, skating, snowshoeing,” she said.

She added there are many mental benefits to personal fitness.

“I think it’s super important for your mental health, to keep you clear, happy, boost your mood, and all over health and fitness.”