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(Image Credit: Getty Images via Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials)

Ailene Dominguez, Writer

Are you thinking of ideas of how to stay in shape? Well, today is the day you find out. Being in this global pandemic is unfortunate, but doctors are doing their best to help. Some people have taken the pandemic and made it into something good, such as learning a new language, learning how to cook, or even learning how to draw. Working out and getting in shape is what most people have been doing while in quarantine. An article from the APA states, “Studies even show exercise can relieve stress, reduce depression, and improve cognitive function.” What this means is that people have done experiments and seen that this can happen from working out. Getting exercise is very important for mental and physical health. These are some tips. “According to Steele, an effective fitness program has five components, all of which you can do at home: a Warmup, A cardiovascular (aerobic) workout, Resistance (strength building) exercises, flexibility moves, A cooldown.” These are crucial parts of a workout. Here is the definition of what they each mean to get a better understanding of the tip. In the source, it says, “A warm-up could be an easy walk outside or on a treadmill, or a slow pace on a stationary bike.” So something light and not too heavy but enough to get your body ready to do the rest of the steps. For the second step, it states, “For the cardiovascular portion, walk or pedal faster, do step aerobics with a video, or jump rope — whatever you enjoy that gets your heart rate up.” So something that makes you breathe and sweat. For the third step, it states, ”The resistance portion can be as simple as squats, push-ups, and abdominal crunches. Or you could work with small dumbbells, a weight bar, bands, or tubing.” Something to make your legs, arms, and abdomen get the resistance they need to strengthen up. For flexibility, it can be something such as stretching your legs as much as you can. You can also do cartwheels. And then cool down, take a break, get a drink of water, or do something to get your body regulated. After all, you just did a long and good exercise. It is also okay to take breaks in between the steps with no need to rush through it fast. Doing things the correct way is better than doing half of what you are doing. Overall, if you plan to get in shape, do your best, work hard, and do not give up.