Coronavirus: Gyms and fitness stars offering at-home workouts

Gyms have been forced to close but some big names have stepped in to help offering workouts you can do at home for nothing.

Fitness junkies will understand that there is nothing more frustrating than your “home away from home” being taken away.

Life as we know it has become very different after gyms, along with pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and indoor sporting venues across the country have shut down indefinitely as part of the government’s sweeping restrictions to halt the spread of the cornonavirus.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still be active and achieve your fitness goals.

Some of your favourite fitness influencers, personal trainers and gym studios now offering more at-home workouts and recording a bunch of training posts via social media platforms.

On Wednesday morning, Barrys Bootcamp Australia - a gruelling fitness program adopted from the US and adored by Hollywood’s finest celebs - held its first Instagram live session with over 350 people participating in its 30 minute body weight workout.

Two of Barry's Bootcamp’s instructors hosted the brand’s first ever free workout on Facebook Live this morning. Picture: Instagram

Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth is one of many trying to help us remain active during these tough times by giving free access to workouts on his health and fitness program, Centr.com.

From March 23 to March 31 new customers that sign up via Centr.com willreceive six weeks free access to the program.

“We have been incredibly inspired by the outpouring of support and positivity from the Centr community during this challenging time,” Hemsworth said.

“We hope that by making Centr available to everyone for this extended period, we can help even more people stay strong, healthy and find a sense of calm at a time when we all need that the most.”

Australian entrepreneur and gym junkie Rachel Dillon said health and wellbeing was paramount, especially during challenging times. Picture: Instagram

In the gym world, F45 Australia, has fast-tracked the release of its at-home program, which can be accessed via the F45 Challenge app and website.

Jetts Fitness has also just launched its online home-based service, Jetts at Home, offering members with training tips, workouts nutritional ideas and overall advice to support wellbeing.

Fitness celebrity trainers Tiffiny Hall and Sam Wood have made adjustments to their at-home programs by offering more equipment-free workouts, while other fitness stars reveal their top tips to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during these challenging times.

“The fitness industry like so many others at the moment has definitely been shaken, but the important thing to focus on is that we keep exercising,” personal trainer and former Bachelor, Sam Wood said.

As Rhian Allen, founder of The Healthy Mummy, puts it — “The coronavirus outbreak is very unsettling even for the most dedicated gym junkies “ and while there is no current ban in place for gyms, some people are looking for other, inspiring ways to stay on top of their fitness.

We have put together a list of at-home training programs currently being offered to Aussies.

F45 has now launched an in-home workout which can be accessed via the F45 Challenge app and website.

The launch package is free for all existing F45 members and provides daily equipment-free workouts, based on the ‘Gravity’ in-studio class led by the Face of F45, Cory George.

“F45 is all about making fitness accessible to communities around the globe, and has adapted to support its members during these unprecedented times,” an F45 spokesperson told news.com.au

 SONIA KRUGER

Television personality and professional dancer Sonia Kruger has just dropped a free dance workout for all those who are currently self-isolating.

The mum-of-one who is behind the dance-based fitness and nutritional program, Strictly You, said it’s “for all my ladies out there who might be going crazy being housebound and missing your usual training”.

She also added that the picture she used to announce the free workout on Instagram was taken prior to social distancing day.

Her fitness model is based on choreographed movements and healthy eating offerings.

The free workout can be found here.

TIFF HALL

Tiffiny Hall, former The Biggest Loser coach, said now more than ever is the time to stay healthy.

She said exercise boosts the immune system and helps to lower anxiety by increasing endorphins and lowering cortisol.

“So, it is crucial that we move now to combat the high level of uncertainty in our lives and to help ourselves feel good and have a legendary immune system. We are in survival mode. It's not about how we look, not about having abs or losing weight or looking buff. It's about survival: surviving stress, isolation and disease by looking after our mental health.”

The founder of online health and fitness program, TIFFXO.com, said, at high stress times like this, mental health has to be a priority.

“In a time when we can't control what's happening in the world, we can control the controllable; helping our mental state with deep breathing, mediation, exercise, getting the right nutrients, self-care and self-management.”

The mother-of-one said training outside ups your magnesium intake and said you could reduce anxiety by eating leafy green vegetables, grains and nuts.

“I'm here to help in any way, so follow me on Instagram @tiffhall_xo as for health, fitness and mindfulness tips you can do today.”

KEEP IT CLEANER

Aussie fitness models Steph Claire Smith and Lauren Henshaw are behind the wellness app Keep It Cleaner.

The girls announced that during these trying times, they will be enabling free at home KIC workouts.

The best friends will be offering the workouts on KIC’s Facebook and Instagram Live followed by a meditation moment.

“With recent events taking place around the world, we understand that moving your body and calming your mind may be more challenging,” Laura told news.com.au

“We want to offer ways in which we can continue to stay virtually connected but also encourage mental health and wellbeing during this challenging time.”

The girls’ free live online workouts will be held every Wednesday and Friday morning at 7am via their social media platforms.

“We’re also going to incorporate a meditation moment at the end of the workout that will aim to charge us with positive energy to get through these challenging days and weeks ahead,” Steph said.

“Our physical and mental health has never been more important and we want everyone to be able to access the KIC program.

RELATED: Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw on how they launched their global fitness app

SAM WOOD

Personal trainer and former Bachelor, Sam Wood recommends consistent, moderate intensity exercise, saying it is a great way to boost immunity.

“And we need that now more than ever,” he told news.com.au

“It will also be a great way to boost your energy and mood in these tough times. So, if you’re stuck at home make sure you try some home workouts or get out for a walk and if you are heading to the gym, be smart with hygiene practices.

Wood is the creator of 28 by Sam Wood which offers a variety workouts including HIIT (5 different fitness levels), low impact, yoga, pilates – all under 30 minutes – all from home.

For those expecting, it also includes pregnancy and postnatal at-home programs too.

LUKE MCLOUD 

Luke McLoud, founder of Soulalive, which offers online live-streamed meditation classes, said now was the perfect opportunity to give meditation a go.

“It's something that you do by yourself and is proven to help with stress and anxiety,” he told news.com.au

“Write down three things every day that you're grateful for. This practice pulls the mind out of any worry you might be feeling and directs it towards what you are thankful for right now.

“Take a few minutes to pause and take some long, slow and deliberate breaths. Breath in through the nose for a count of eight. Then hold the breath for a count of eight and then release the breath out through the mouth for another count of eight. Repeat this three times.”

He then advised to take five minutes to grab some sunlight.

“This increases the serotonin levels in the body which is a hormone that is associated with helping you feel calmer and happier.”

RELATED: How Rachel Dillon’s fitness struggle and success helped create Bodies by Rachel

RACHEL DILLON

Australian entrepreneur Rachel Dillon, who is behind the transformation brand Bodies by Rachel, agrees that health and wellbeing is paramount, especially during challenging times like these.

“Among strict regulations and lockdowns, it may not be possible to stick to one's usual fitness routine – however, there are always ways to stay active,” she tells news.com.au

“I believe that any movement beats no movement. Working out can be something positive you have complete control over, shifting focus from factors you unfortunately can't control. If you're in a complete lockdown, exercise can also help avoid boredom and contribute to a meaningful, satisfying routine.

“No equipment? No problem”, she says, adding you need to get a little creative with what you have available to create a makeshift home gym.

“Fill water bottles or use books for weights, use a sturdy couch in place of a bench, or simply perform body weight movements. Even if the circumstances are not ideal, you can definitely make the most of them.”

While her program offers both gym and at-home workouts, she said even in normal circumstances, many clients choose to train at home.

“Whether it's because they dislike gyms, have very tight schedules, or have commitments such as taking care of young children at home,” Dillon said. “Life-changing results can be achieved anywhere.”

“These are difficult times, but remember: we're all in this together.”

EMILY SKYE

Emily Skye, who boasts a combined social media following of 12.5 million, said she is always asked if you can get a good work out in at home.

The answer? Yes.

“Now people are going to see with minimal equipment or just body weight you can work up a serious sweat,” she said.

The Gold Coast personal trainer, who is known for her successful online fitness program Emily Skye Fit recommends, if you are spending more time at home to build a routine for yourself, to set aside 30 minutes.

“If you’re not ready to add a workout into your routine, just sneak some fitness in around your existing routine,” she told news.com.au

“Do 10 squats in the kitchen before you make breakfast, 10 squats half way through, and 10 squats before you eat. Do 20 calf raises at the sink while you brush your teeth. Use a bag of flour as a weight for squats, or lunges.”

“You’d be surprised at how many things the average house has that can mimimic gym equipment. It’s time to put those extra bags of rice you bought to work.”

THE HEALTHY MUMMY

Rhian Allen, founder of The Healthy Mummy, a platform offering a variety of at-home workouts, said for those who still want to get in a good training session and feel uncomfortable to attend the gym, can still remain active.

“Working out at home is a great solution and more important today than ever for mental health as well as the physical benefits,” she tells news.com.au

“ If you're stuck at home, fitness apps are a great way to stay on track and all you really need is a mat."

Ms Allen’s, The Healthy Mummy app, is exclusively for mums and features more than 350 full length fitness workouts including HIIT, yoga, tabata and boxing.