Keeping in tip-top shape in the new normal

Working from home has become the new normal for the times we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Workout from home has similarly become the new normal for those who want to stay physically fit and healthy amid this modern day viral war.

Having a “home” gym means you have to work with the size of your home when selecting your machinery. If space is no issue, then you can go bigger, but if you’re in an apartment or need to fit your workout equipment into a smaller space, then carefully consider the size of the machines. Some machines can fold up for easy storage and some are quite portable.

Coach Dora Elllis’ outdoor fitness station

Portable design

If you don’t want to dedicate an entire corner of the family room to a home gym unit, then a portable design might be best for you. There are several systems in the fitness market that allow you to mimic the moves you’d do with a rack of dumbbells or squat rack, but instead use resistance bands that attach to a fold-up platform.

Look for portable design options that you can store under the bed or take with you while traveling. Consider where you are on your fitness journey as well as your goals when selecting a machine. Some are equipped with tons of features that can challenge hard-core fitness enthusiasts, while others are more basic and may be less overwhelming for those who work out more casually or are just beginning their fitness journeys.

Coach Ani de Leon-Brown’s home workout area

Affordability

Aside from usable features, affordability is an important consideration. Home gyms can range from top-of-the-line models with sky-high price tags to more basic models that are relatively budget-friendly. You want to balance quality and functionality with the price to ensure the equipment meets your needs both now and in the future, especially if you plan to make a significant investment. Now that public gyms are still closed, it’s a good time to think about creating a home gym no matter how small.

Coach Ani de Leon-Brown’s kids and family outdoor home gym

Suspension gyms

For an effective way to improve your overall health and fitness, suspension gyms are an excellent tool for increasing strength and flexibility and improving muscle tone. The TRX Training Home Gym Bundle is suitable for all levels of at-home athletes, whether you’re training for a marathon or just starting out on your fitness journey.

Bike trainer home setup of Ironman finisher Gem Thomas

Smart bike trainer

For the triathletes who are not racing these days but need to keep their fitness levels high, a smart bike trainer is the ideal system to set up even inside a limited area. There are so many online classes that one can join to make the training more fun and intense. Make sure there is good ventalation and of course, strong WiFi. Since the training is indoors, there is no need for a mask that hinders breathing unlike having to run outdoors wherein wearing a mask is required.

Whatever the fitness level, it is important to workout daily for at least 30 minutes and keep a positive, happy attitude.

Medicard Access Express
(MACE)

Medicard’s MACE

Of course, if you feel the need to be reassured that you’re in tiptop share, you can still consult with your doctor, thanks to Medicard Philippines’ MACE, a mobile app that you can use to book consultations right in the safety and comfort of your home. In case you want to have some lab tests and diagnostics done, you can do it via MACE, too. In this way, you get to appease your mind, knowing that you’re in perfect shape, without having to leave your home to brave the outside world amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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