Living room lockdown workouts are “a godsend”

But with the current lockdown and restrictions in place, 2021 hasn’t got off to the traditional start for many people.

With gyms closed, it could be easy to throw in the towel, but for one local gym owner, it has been the complete opposite.

Sara Doherty, owner of Synergy along with her partner Kevin, hasn’t let the gym closures stop her from creating, and working on new healthy habits.

“I’m sure that like me, most of you ladies waiting patiently for January 1, 2021 to roll around, praying for normality to resume - along with the age-old promise of a “New year, new me”.

“The “fresh start” we were waiting for ended up beginning in yet another lockdown, but myself and our members at Synergy weren’t going to let that stop us. For so many, going to the gym isn’t just about the body, it’s about the mind!

“That precious hour, or as I call it my ‘golden hour’ is our chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“I don’t know about you, but there’s only so many times I can hear “ Maaaaaammmyyyy” in one day!

“As much as we can’t wait for the gym to reopen, there’s literally nothing stopping you starting your fitness journey right now – from home.

“Being able to throw on some music and get a sweat up in my living room has been a godsend for keeping me sane,” she said.

Sara has some top tips for ‘Journal’ readers who are hoping to stay active and healthy during lockdown, and after!

“My first tip is to get prepped. The slow cooker is my lifesaver, I usually batch cook simple meals that keep us on track for a few days. That way there’s always something filling and healthy in the fridge which will stop you reaching for the biscuits,” she said.

Getting active is the second tip, and Sara says that any workout is better than no workout.

“I’ve never met anyone who’s finished a workout and said, ‘I wish I didn’t do that’. All you need is 20 minutes to get a brilliant workout, and you don’t need any equipment!

“Why not get creative and learn a new skill.

“We’re so lucky to have millions of videos at the click of a button for pretty much anything you’ve ever wanted to know. Teach yourself a new skill, a new language, how to cook, how to do makeup.

“Keep your mind busy! I taught myself how to cook using the Internet, it’s really easy.

“Try to set a goal. This can be absolutely anything. Here are some ideas, why not choose two and stick with them for 28 days.

“Work out consistently three times this week for 20 minutes, no excuses. Or maybe walk 10,000 steps every day. Another option could be to home cook every meal for a few weeks, and only order a takeaway once.

“Finally, just so that you really don’t have any excuses, here’s a home workout I’ve written especially for you to do during lockdown, plus you won’t need any equipment,” added Sara.

Complete 40 seconds of each exercise with 20 seconds rest in between each: A) Bodyweight Squats, B) Plank with a shoulder Tap, C) Alternating Lunges on the spot, D) Press up (full or Kneeling), E) Jumping Jack’s.

“If you can complete four rounds of that, that’s your first twenty-minute workout done and dusted,” she added.