This past year has had unique challenges for everyone. Whether it’s shifting to virtual learning, working from home, taking dance/fitness classes online or socially distanced in a studio, or other changes, we have all made life adjustments we never thought we’d have to do. For me, a young adult that graduated college during a pandemic, I’ve had to make a lot of life adjustments that I’m still figuring out to this day. It’s hard having a work-life balance when I’m thinking about what’s happening in the world as well as my present and future.

One thing I’ve really had an issue with is taking care of my physical health from home. On the bright side, I’ve started to learn simple barre/fitness/dance exercises that I can do from home that I can share with you below. No equipment is needed.

A quick fitness “template” I use.

-Jumping Jacks: 50-100
-Calf Raises (parallel feet): 15-30 reps (3-5 sets)
-Barre Vida Second position plie squats: 10-20 reps (3-5 sets)(you may pulse or hold in a lowered position on your final rep if you want an added challenge)
-Leg lifts (front; as high as you can or 45 degrees): 10-20 reps (3-5 sets)
-Leg lifts (side turnt out; as high as you can or 45 degrees): 10-20 reps (3-5 sets)
-Leg lifts (back; as high as you can or 45 degrees): 10-20 reps (3-5 sets)
-Forearm plank: 30 seconds - a minute
-Press up into downward dog. Hold for as long as you like, ideally one minute.
-Straight leg donkey kick with half circle to the side: 10-20 reps (3-5 sets) each leg
-Forearm plank: 30 seconds - a minute
-Barre Vida Side lying down side leg raises: 10-15 reps (3-5 sets both legs)
-Flutter kicks: 15-20 reps (3-5 sets)
-Boat pose. Extend your legs if you’d like, otherwise keep them at 90 degrees. (hold for 30 seconds to a minute)
-Forearm plank: 30 seconds - a minute
-Push up and touch your toes. Extend and release your hamstrings as you please.

This workout should take 10-20 minutes. You can add it to your morning routine or whenever you have time to spare during your day. You can also add more reps to each exercise as you get stronger. Confused about how an exercise looks? Google the exercise or take a barre class with me in the future to find out more!

Other tips

Virtual Classes: Barre Vida is on Youtube and I recommend doing the classes. For an even deeper practice pay for more classes for $9.00 a month. I also like And8Fitness and MadFit.
Consistency: Having a hard time building an exercise routine? Establish a simple routine that you can keep consistent. Start small and build up your strength and endurance. Remind yourself that everything takes time. Your fitness journey can start any day at any time.
Partner in fitness: Find a workout buddy or an accountability partner. Check in with each other often about your joys, struggles, and highlights of your fitness journey. Maybe even take before and after photos in barre/dance poses to document your progress together!
Love your body! Treat it well with exercise and nutritious food. Listen to what it’s saying to you. Push yourself hard, but also recognize when you need a day to rest.

An Exercise Plan To Stay Healthy by Adia Edmondson