Across California and the nation, our regular routines have been shaken up as a result of the novel coronavirus. For many, stay-at-home orders and social distancing tactics have not only affected how we live and work, but these measures have also affected how we recreate.
With fitness and recreational facilities temporarily closed and depending on where you live, you have two alternatives: head outdoors or work out at home.
For some, working out at home can get mundane. If you’re like me, you need variety and good music to stay motivated. While searching the web for different options, I discovered that all you need is Wi-Fi or a mobile connection, and you can virtually be transported anywhere and find a great workout experience that is suitable for every age. 
Health and fitness trainers are offering tons of free classes for all fitness levels–bootcamp, yoga, and different genres of dance–through apps like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Classes can be taken in real-time or later, whenever your schedule permits. For those who need extra motivation and accountability, personal virtual training sessions are also available for a fee through downloadable fitness apps.
My family and I have participated in online bootcamp and yoga sessions, and I have taken several free dance classes from a celebrity choreographer. I don’t own tap shoes, but I took a tap dance class at home during my lunch break. Besides being a fun experience, it was a great workout. If choreographed dance is not your thing, there are lots of DJs who host hour-long music sets where you can listen to music and dance like no one is watching–because literally, they may not be.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Beyond burning calories, physical activity can help to reduce muscle soreness and tension. Moreover, it has been noted that exercise can help to relieve stress, promote better sleep, and may help to enhance your overall mood.
Researchers agree that exercise is good for your body and mind. If you’re interested in consulting with a health care or mental health care professional about the advantages of adopting a workout regimen, the Department of Consumer Affairs has a license search tool that makes it easy for you to trust but verify the license. Visit: https://search.dca.ca.gov/
