As lockdown restrictions ease across the UK, gyms are set to reopen for solo workouts from Monday, but many people are choosing to continue exercising at home. A survey of 2,572 people by OnBuy.com found that only 63 per cent of gym-goers have renewed their memberships post-lockdown, putting gyms at risk of losing up to 37 per cent of their revenue.
Four top personal trainers, including Gunnar Peterson who trains Hollywood stars like Jennifer Lopez and the Kardashians, have revealed the best ways to work out at home. They emphasise the importance of recovery and stress reduction for optimal fitness.
Gunnar Peterson, who has worked in the fitness industry for three decades, told FEMAIL: 'You can't just train your way fit. At some point, you have to relax and let all the work you've done bloom and blossom.' He stressed that recovery is 'hugely overlooked' and that the 'no pain, no gain' adage is outdated. 'If you're looking for optimal health, recovery is the pillar that you might be shorting,' he said.
Peterson also highlighted the role of stress reduction in building muscle. 'If you want to gain muscle, make sure you're actively working on reducing stress,' he advised. 'It's tough to gain muscle if you're stressed all the time just because of the signals that sends your body.' He recommends adequate sleep and proper nutrition to support recovery.
Anya Lahiri from Barry's Bootcamp UK recommends a mix of cardio and bodyweight resistance at home, suggesting that cookbooks and tea towels can be used as weights. Gede Foster, head of the FIIT fitness app, advises focusing on large compound exercises like squats and planks if time is limited.
