Tips on staying fit, healthy and mentally well under lock down

We've had some really lovely messages at LC Fitness from people doing our online classes during these tough times.

Lock down is hard and not looking at changing any time soon, especially not for the re-opening of fitness studios and gyms.

We've been blessed with some awesome weather of late, so we've all been able to get out into our wonderful countryside, walking, running, and cycling, and for us, it's been amazing being able to hold classes outside in the garden. Flow sessions as the sun is rising with the birds singing in the background has been really special.

I think this will teach us all to 'not sweat the small stuff', slow down and really appreciate what we've got.

Of course, it is much harder for some, living in a town or city centre with no garden or countryside access, worrying financially, missing loved ones – all of this Is having a massive effect on mental health. Lethargy creeps in and it is sometimes easier to do nothing. It's very true in the saying 'the less you do the less you want to do'.

It's important to try to keep to some kind of routine, to try and eat healthily (it's far too easy to reach for the junk food out of boredom) and to keep moving.

As I'm writing this, the weather has changed and it looks like we're in for a wet spell, but don't use that as an excuse – wrap up and go for that walk, run or cycle or join into some online classes.

There are lots on offer. Whether you fancy a gentle relaxing yoga/pilates stretch class; some weights classes (improvise, you can even use tins of food or bottles of water if you need to); high energy HIIT classes or just some exercises using your own body weight. Make sure you do something to look after you.

If you would like to find out more about LC Fitness and their online classes, click here.