“I Like to move it, move it… I like to move it!” These Lines from the famous 90s electronic dance song have never felt more expressive. As we quarantine at home, it’s easy to forget that we’re ever getting out again, so we quickly turn into emotional, couch potatoes. Since sooner or later we are all getting back to the outside world, we should use this time to harness better habits and become a better version of ourselves. That is why eniGma’s Amir Kamel caught up with some of your favourite fitness gurus who will guide you with tips and tricks on how to stay active from the comfort of your quarantine.
Marc Bahoury
Marc Bahoury is the Founder and Head coach of Idea Egypt. His HIIT sessions will definitely burn off those extra pounds from those quarantine Netflix binges. That’s why we asked him to inspire us to reach our fitness goals during this time.
How can working out help one’s mental health during this stressful period?
Working out during this time will 200% help you de-stress, release negative energy and increase your productivity and focus. You will notice that you are focusing better while working from home. You will also be more present around your family during this time when they need you more.
Do you have any tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while staying at home?
Having goals, even if they’re tiny ones. That will keep you focused. Do not lose motivation… It’s the fuel that will keep you going!
Essential equipment to get for supplementing the home workouts:
I think one kettlebell, elastic loop bands and a mat if your home doesn’t have carpets, are all you need.
Sara Taha
Sara Taha is the Co-Founder and CEO of VIBES Well Being. She is one of the top Pilates coaches in town and one of the very few coaches who are specialised in Pre and Post Natal training in Egypt. Sara imparted on us the importance of working out as it directly affects our mental health and helps us find stability during unstable times.
How do you think this pandemic will affect the nature of the fitness industry later on?
At the current moment, it is very hard to predict how this will impact fitness as an industry. All of this is new to everyone, and there is a lot of uncertainty. Online training is growing rapidly; both customers and providers are quickly adopting online alternatives, in order to keep fitness an essential part of their daily lives. I think this time will definitely create a big market for online training. Yet, since as a culture we appreciate real-life experiences and interactions, there will always be the demand for on-ground training.
Do you have any tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires both mental and physical work. I try to stick as much as possible to my pre-quarantine routine. I aim to get my workout done at the beginning of the day. I then set up my working space and start working. I try to get up every 30 mins to do some basic stretches. Those stretching breaks help me slow down and remain centered. Being at home has actually helped me make time to prepare meals. The most helpful tip I can give anyone, is to avoid ordering any tempting sweets and junk food.
How can working out help one’s mental health during this stressful period?
Generally speaking, I consider exercise as therapy. It is a great way to release all the negative energy, relieve stress, improve the quality of sleep, help you stay energetic throughout the day and allow you to regain your confidence.
Essential equipment to get for supplementing the home workouts:
Some resistance bands, a set of dumbbells, kettlebell and a mat.
Coach Yassin Gad El-Hak
Coach Yassin is a boxing, strength and conditioning coach and General Manager of LA7 Gym in Arkan. He is also undeniably one of the most fun, creative and entertaining coaches on Instagram. Coach Yassin provides us with creative ways to stay active all while having a blast.
Do you have any tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while staying at home?
Here is the thing; we are exposed to all sorts of fitness information that we need from the internet, which in many cases is extremely hard to apply. The way I see it is simple; we’re just doing our best! We just need to get through this phase and not beat ourselves up. The tips are simple: Eat less and move more. We all know that we do not just wake up one day and find ourselves gaining extra kilos; we usually see the transition happening. Whether we’re getting bigger or slimmer, with time we need to monitor our bodies during the transitions and make adjustments accordingly. As we are stuck at home Netflix-ing and binge eating, we just need to be wise and creative with the food choices we make.
How can working out help one’s mental health during this stressful period?
Well, working out is usually that time when we can zone out of anything, release stress and find time to take care for ourselves. If you can’t make time for that, especially when you have nothing to do all day, then from the bottom of my heart, may God be with you in those tough times. Here is the real deal; no one will do the work for you if you don’t want to invest in yourself to feel better, to live better and to actually be better.
Essential equipment to get for supplementing the home workouts:
It all depends on your goal and the space you have. We all started with bodyweight routines at home when this whole pandemic started, and little by little, we started adjusting to the situation. Bodyweight routines and basic calisthenics are good, so are bands, weights, HIIT training, yoga and Pilates, etc… I personally believe that everyone should build their own personal workout routine based on the stage they stopped at prior to the lockdown. For example, a yogi will keep doing what they’re doing, HIIT lovers will carry out their workouts with what they have till sooner or later they start building up the equipment they need depending on the space they have. I personally have a bit of space at home where I can have a squat rack and a few dumbbells and kettlebells, while others might have more space to build a bigger more complete gym or a smaller space with a few bottles of water and a couch.
Omar Dafrawy
Omar Dafrawy is the Founder of BarBrothers Egypt, as well as a professional mixed martial artist. We’ve seen many transform their bodies and regain their confidence after being coached by him, which is why we decided to ask him to be one of our fitness gurus.
How do you think this pandemic will affect the nature of the fitness industry later on?
I believe that the pandemic will have a positive impact on the fitness industry as people will start to take care of and pay more attention to their health and their bodies. More and more people will acknowledge the fact that building a healthy and positive lifestyle is essential.
Do you have any tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while staying at home?
During this difficult time as we are obliged to stay at home, we must develop healthier lifestyle habits by eating well and filling up our fridges and shelves with healthy snacks and fruit instead of junk food. While taking care of our nutrition, we should also be exercising at least 40 minutes to two hours a day. I would also like to add that maintaining a proper sleep cycle is essential and efficient for the mind as well as the body.
How can working out help one’s mental health during this stressful period?
Working out during this time will allow you to boost your immune system and will release dopamine, which will make you feel a lot happier. It will also help you enhance your endorphins, which will adjust your mood and definitely help you exert all the negative energy.
Essential equipment to get for supplementing the home workouts:
You can do a great workout using used tires, ropes, water bottles, broomsticks and towels!