I have long been a member at the YMCA in Hudson, Wisconsin — I would guess around 15 years. When the “Safer At Home” happened in Wisconsin and they closed gyms, it left me wondering how to get my workouts in at home (and how to fill the long days of going nowhere and being home with my special needs son).
My Regular Workout Classes
Two of my favorite classes at the Y are Body Pump and Boot Camp. There is really no way to recreate Body Pump at home, plus I don’t have the necessary equipment. Boot Camp, on the other hand, is something I have recreated to work at home. In fact, it is something Danny and I have been enjoying together most mornings.
The instructor for the Boot Camp I went to at the Y, Angie, always made boot camp challenging AND fun! She had several games we would play during our workouts, and I made versions we can play at home. The three I have recreated are Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders and the Matching Game. In addition to Boot Camp, we try to get out and walk whenever the weather permits. Getting out of the house on walks has been great for our mental health, as well as our physical health!
Boot Camp Candy Land Game
I bought a board game off Amazon of Candy Land and then wrote exercises on the cards. I did a different category of exercise for each color. The categories I chose are cardio, abs, legs, arms and core. All of the candy cards are 10 bur-pees, and the doubles tend to be harder exercises. This is Danny’s favorite!
Candy Land Boot Camp Game
Boot Camp Matching Game
The Matching Game has 16 cards with 2 each of 8 exercises. I put stickers on the cards, so that Danny can make the matches. The exercises I chose are cardio, core, and arms. You can tell from my cards that I am not super crafty, but it still works!
Boot Camp Matching Game
Boot Camp Chutes and Ladders Game
Chutes and Ladders was made by my friend and long-time workout buddy Sherry. She is much more crafty that I am. I miss working out with her at the Y. We have been working out together for over 10 years. Having a workout buddy has kept me motivated and kept me going consistently.
Boot Camp Chutes and Ladders
Essential Oils For Workouts
While I miss the socialization at the Y, I am glad we have been at least keeping some sort of workout routine at home. I still use the same essential oil products that help with muscle soreness. My favorite doTERRA products to use during workouts are Deep Blue Rub and Breathe essential oil. I apply Breathe to my hands and inhale a few times before we begin – this helps open up my airways and helps me increase my endurance (for boot camp or when I go jogging). I apply Deep Blue Rub post workout if nothing is bothering me; however, if I have any spots that have been bugging me, I also apply Deep Blue Rub to the areas pre-workout preventatively.
I hope these workout routines are helpful for you. Another tip, we always listen to our “rock and roll” playlist while we workout. It has become a fun, bonding time for Danny and I, and I think we will continue this after the Safer At Home time has ended.
Hugs & Health – Michelle