It’s hard to deny that some days of lockdown are way harder than others. Sometimes our mental health decides to have a little melt-down. It’s also hard to deny just how much exercise can help to improve our mental health - in so many ways.

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As well, experts say this time can be particularly triggering for those who are recovering from or suffering with body image issues. 

 

I know it’s all good and well being told by a celebrity on Instagram that staying active is “super important right now” as they get out of their pool and head to their private gym. 

 

But what if you’re like me, stuck in a small house (sadly minus the pool and private gym) with five rather annoying people and the only workout “equipment” you own is a rather questionable yoga mat your mum has had since her university days?

I spoke to personal trainer Isabella Morgan, who gets real and honest with her Instagram followers about her exercise regime during lockdown. 

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There are rumours about the government possibly banning our one daily outdoor excursion for exercise- will it still be possible to stay healthy then?

 

"It is still completely possible to remain healthy without this. Although our step count will decrease, there are many things you can do in your home to maintain active levels and reduce your sedentary time. This can be such like walking up and down the stairs 10 times, on-the-spot sprints, longer home workouts, working out in the garden to ensure you get fresh air, and eating as healthy as you can. Health involves our mental and social health too. Meditation, yoga, and Pilates are effective ways to improve our mental health without our 1 excursion."

 

How important is exercise for our mental health, especially at a time like this?

 

"There are many scientific studies proving that exercise can actually reduce anxiety and depression. Group exercise is especially effective, and I know this might seem impossible to achieve right now, but you could try facetiming your friends and performing a workout together. This way you are getting the social aspect of exercise as well as the physical and mental benefits of it."

 

There’s no denying that even with home workouts, everyone is a lot less active which can lead to us developing unhealthy relationships with food and our body. How can we avoid this?

 

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Like many others, Issy has been spending much of her lockdown experimenting with cooking and baking:
 

 

 "Some of my favourite recipes are jambalaya, chilli, shepherd’s pie, Thai green curry, casseroles, and homemade veggie burgers and potato wedges. I like meals that are packed with vegetables to make sure I am getting my vitamins and nutrients. You can use this time to experiment with flavours and ingredients and trying something new. An example of which is trying a vegetarian option rather than your usual meat dish. I also love to bake, and even though I am not the best, it is enjoyable and something different to do. I am actually using this time to improve my baking skills. Some of my best bakes are a vegan chocolate loaf cake, carrot cake, banana bread, protein mug cakes, and a healthy vegan banoffee pie."

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For more advice on how to stay healthy during lockdown, you can follow Issy on Instagram @issyfituk_