As the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic continues and more and more people are staying home, finding time for a workout might be a challenge.

Jefferson Parks and Recreation Wellness Director Simeon Lang says there is an extra challenge with all fitness centers temporarily closed, but encourages people to find the time to workout. He explains, while having a gym is a nice motivator, there are other ways to workout, such as bodyweight exercises. Instead of just doing jumping jacks, squats, push-ups and sit-ups all the time, Lang describes a game people can play to switch it up.

“Pull out some dice from a board game. Maybe choose three, four, or five exercises, and you might go through that list four or five times, but roll the dice and that’s how many repetitions you’re going to do for that exercise.”

Lang points out another game he does is with a deck of cards. Each suit represents a different exercise and whatever the card says is the number of repetitions of that exercise. Lang encourages those with kids to have them participate as well.

“If you do have kids with you, for a few weeks here make it kind of a P.E. class or something fun you do once a day. But it gets them involved, it can be a little interactive, and again (it) just spices it up, so it’s not the same old, same old each and everyday.”

Lang adds, by doing even a 10-20 minute workout everyday, it supports health and fitness and it releases endorphins from your body that will help improve your mood and mental health.