The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging, to say the least. While the virus itself is frightening enough, millions are out of work, worried about paying bills, and dealing with money stress and monotony of being locked down at home. It’s no surprise that so many people have reported elevated levels of stress and anxiety this spring.
One of the best ways to deal with all this stress and boredom is by working out. Even though most gyms are closed, many great exercise apps exist that you can use at home during the coronavirus lockdown to stay in shape. Best of all: Many of them don’t cost a thing. Here are six free exercise apps to help you stay in shape and keep money in your pocket while you’re stuck at home.
1. Map My Run
Maybe you want to start jogging on roads and trails to stay in shape and keep from going stir crazy during the lockdown. If that’s the case, you’ll want to download Under Armour’s Map My Run on your iOS or Android device. Map My Run measures the distances you run and tracks the progress you make over time. This innovative app also allows you to compete against other users in different types of contests, which will help keep you motivated out there on the road.
2. WOD Deck of Cards
If you’re missing the daily WOD (workout of the day) at your local gym, go ahead and download WOD Deck of Cards. Available for iOS, WOD Deck of Cards allows you to designate a specific exercise for each suit in a virtual deck of playing cards. Then, when you flip a card over on your iPhone or iPad, you conduct the designated exercise for the card suit for the number of repetitions equal to the card’s number. You’ll barely be able to pick up your iPhone by the time you get to the end of the deck!
3. Daily Burn
Another app for dealing with money stress is Daily Burn, is one of the most comprehensive online exercise programs available. The app offers a wide variety of fitness activities, from personally designed workouts to Pilates and calisthenics classes, tough competitions, and rigorous personal challenges. You can use the app to get into the best shape of your life during the lockdown. Daily Burn is available on iOS and Android devices and charges a monthly fee; however, the app offers a 30-day free trial.
4. Glo
Glo, available for iOS and Android, can introduce you to the world of yoga if you’re a novice, or help you build your skills if you’re a long-time practitioner. Best of all, you can do everything right in your home. Glo offers practical instructions on many of the key yoga poses and movements; it also offers thousands of classes in which you can participate. While Glo charges a monthly fee, you can enjoy it free during a trial period. The yoga training and classes Glo offers may be just what you need to deal with stress, and they can help you increase your flexibility and strengthen your muscles while you’re at it.
5. DanceBody
If you enjoy fast-paced movements and music, DanceBody might be your favorite new app. DanceBody will put you through your paces with intense choreography-inspired cardio workouts set to great music. You’ll be able to work up a sweat, build your endurance, and burn hundreds of calories without ever leaving your home. DanceBody is available for iOS and Android devices. While it does charge a monthly usage fee, you can get a 7-day free trial.
6. 7 Minute Workout
If you’re looking for a basic app to get you motivated to start moving, download 7 Minute Workout on your iOS or Android device. This app has a very straightforward calisthenics routine that takes place over, you guessed it, seven minutes, to help elevate your heart rate and build strength and tone. The basic app is free and gives you the option to become a paid subscriber to gain access to additional types of exercises and workout routines.
Saving Money While Staying in Shape
If you’re dealing with money stress due to the coronavirus lockdown, one of the best ways to lower your anxiety levels is by working out. These six exercise apps are all free (or offer a free trial period) and might be just what you need to take your mind off the coronavirus lockdown. Using any one of them could help you get into phenomenal shape as well. So, download these free exercise apps, and start working out as soon as you can.
