High- and Low-Tech Solutions for Staying in Shape at Home This Winter

With colder weather on the way, working out has become decidedly more complicated for those of us who moved our training outdoors to stay healthy. While some gyms and boutique studios have reopened—or reimagined their services en plein air—many remain shuttered. As a longtime runner, my fitness routine naturally encourages social distancing: I’ve spent the last 20 or so years pounding the pavement mostly solo, enjoying the solitude and endorphin rush. But lately I’ve suffered a number of injuries, which has made tackling hills in sleet and rain harder and revealed how I need to do more strength training—to build my core and upper body so I can transfer energy to my legs better and maintain proper form as I tick off the miles.

This is what my husband—a fitness fanatic who considers double sessions of HIIT workouts a casual day at the gym—has drilled into me recently. Inspired to motivate each other to stay in shape this winter, we decided to construct a makeshift fitness studio in our basement, complete with exposed beams, pipes, cobwebs, and kids’ toys as obstacles. This could work! I told myself optimistically. A few months into our quarantine fitness experiment, here’s what I have learned so far: Technology can almost recreate the experience of being in an IRL class or with a trainer, but some low-tech options work surprisingly well too. No matter which toning method or gadgets you opt for, variety is key. Mixing up my routine has helped me stay on track and worked different muscle groups, so my body feels more balanced—and powerful. Read more click Start here