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As we distance, we’re doing everything from our homes—including working out. Whether that means finding a corner of the basement or finally using neglected dumbbells, local exercise gurus assure us: You can still get a good workout in at home. Here’s how they get it done.
Cari Allen
founder, Studio 3 STL and Core 3 Fitness
What’s in her gym: “I love to have some resistance bands, because they’re super versatile. If you can have them and a set of lighter weights and heavier weights, that’s really all you need.”
On staying motivated: “Schedule that time and have a friend to check in with or find a group that will support you and banter back and forth with—those are the critical pieces.”
Katie Helbig
marketing director, Big River Running Company
Her go-tos: “Aside from a good pair of running shoes, my other tools are a foam roller and R8 roller for recovery. Both rollers are essential recovery tools. You can use a foam roller to really roll out any of your major muscle groups. I do have a treadmill, but, luckily, runners can still run outside.”
Pro tip: “Social media is a great place for people to post about their runs and give words of encouragement. [Sharing] running journals are nice checks and balances of ‘I did it, I wrote about it, and it’s posted for people to read.’”
Joanna Haydon
spin instructor, CycleBar 314
What she’s using: “I have bands. I think bands are awesome. I actually got my bands off Amazon for $15. They come with beginner, intermediate, advanced, and then kind of a step up from advanced. I also have 5-, 10-, and 15-pound weights, so nothing too expansive, just those three sets. I actually have a CycleBar bike at my house now, too. It’s allowed me to really feel like I can get a solid 45- to 60-minute workout in every single day.”
On staying active: “I encourage a lot of my friends who do not own bikes to just listen to the class but get out and move. If you don’t have a bike, you can still take these online live group fitness classes; just follow along with what you would do on a bike. When I’m doing intervals, pick up your speed a little bit, whether you’re walking or running. At the end of the day, as long as you’re getting your heart rate up, that’s what really matters.”
Heath Norton
owner, TITLE Boxing Club
What’s in his gym: “I have a kettlebell, a jump rope, resistance bands, and weighted hand wraps to add resistance for shadow boxing. They’re pretty inexpensive and portable.”
How to make it work: “Usually when people come into the studio, this is their one hour of the day they can kind of get away from work or other stressors of life. It’s an opportunity to get a release. Stay on a schedule and keep your workouts consistent.”
Katie Schreiber
instructor, Shred415
What’s in her gym: “All that I have are three sets of weights, mini resistance bands—you can do everything with those; my favorites to do with them are a lot of lower body work—and a bench, but you don’t even need a bench.”
How to stay motivated: “Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. Mental health is just as important as physical health at this time, so you want to do workouts that make you feel good.”
