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How to stay fit and well during lockdown

Times are tough right now. And the more vulnerable among us are largely stuck in our homes and may feel isolated. So it is important that we lean on each other, and yourself as well.

Staying fit and well while stuck at home can seem challenging at first. With your favourite local yoga studios, gyms and mindfulness centres closing for now, you might feel like giving up on exercising and the hobbies you used to enjoy.

Luckily, our wonderful community has shown itself to be incredibly adaptable. Fitness classes, yoga sessions and even art classes are now being streamed over Zoom, which can help you feel a little more connected while physically isolated.

Here’s our guide to safeguarding your physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown.

This page is part of the Covid-19 Help Hub. You might also find these other pages useful:
Local shops that are open, deliver or do click and collect 
Live local updates
How to help others and get involved 
Useful links for businesses and residents

Yoga and fitness

Mix up your daily exercise by incorporating some live classes streamed straight to your living room. If you do choose to visit a park to work out, it’s important to maintain government guidelines and follow distancing measures (standing six feet apart from others).

Chisenhale Dance Space

Following the government’s announcement of a national lockdown, Chisenhale Dance Space will remain closed until at least Monday 22 February 2021. Spring term 2021 chilrdren’s classes will still be hosted online, until it is safe to return back to the studios. More information about their classes is available on their website. If you are interested in booking space for the period after Mondat 22 February 2021, you can get in touch via spacehire@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk. If you’re planning a project, penciling dates is a great way to support Chisenhale Dance Studios during this time.

move studio

move studio are hosting daily virtual classes priced at £6 each. From Slow Flow to Full-Body workouts and everything in between. You can view their full timetable here.

ànimo yoga

ànimo yoga are also offering online lessons. And they have an introduction offer – 14 days unlimited live stream classes for £25. They are also organising a number of online masterclasses in meditation and reiki workshops. Their shop, which offers many calming gifts, will be doing click and collect on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s between 11am and 1pm. This month they are premiering a new pilates class for beginners to be streamed online. Go to their website for their schedule and more information.

Bee Fit Pilates

Belinda from Bee Fit Pilates has a timetable for virtual lessons aimed at various levels of experience on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturday. As well as this, Belinda will be accepting requests for classes “on demand”. Head over to Bee Fit Pilates’ website for more information and to determine your experience level.

Yoga Gem

If you’re missing attending Gemma’s affordable classes at St Barnabas’s church and Victoria Park, look no further. As part of her spring-inspired yoga schedule, expect to find a range of different class styles including forward folds, twists and backbends. Gemma has also just started offering Mama and Baby yoga online sessions – classes exclusive for recent mothers! Find out more about Yoga Gem’s online schedule here.

Doug’s Dogs

The dog training, walking, daycare and grooming business on Bow Common Lane has moved their classes online. All of their dog training, from puppy classes to advanced and senior and rescue dogs, is now being taught through Zoom.

Tower Hamlets Tennis Courts

Tower Hamlets Tennis Courts are closed until further notice. Visit their website for up to date information on tennis courts in Tower Hamlets.

Wellbeing services

These times are admittedly hard, and if you or a loved one needs professional help, here are local remote services, where you can talk to a professional without leaving your house. 

Health Spot for young people

Health Spot is providing a remote medical service for young people in need of physical, sexual or mental health help. It is for those aged 11-19, and up to 25 if you have Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) or any additional needs. Go to Health Spot’s webpage to find out how you can make an appointment.

Tower Hamlets LGBT Forum

Are you struggling with how to fill your day at home during lockdown? Has self-isolation made it harder to keep in touch with your LGBT community? Join Tower Hamlets LGBT weekly online peer-networking group where you can be yourself in a safe, fun environment. The meet ups will feature chats and discussions and workshops led by a facilitator with activities that delve into LGBT issues. They also have a group specifically for over 50s. During February, for LGBTQ+ month, the Forum is releasing a different thought every day. Click here for more information about LGBT Forum.

The Plane Tree

A mind and body therapy centre offering counselling, massages and osteopathy among their services in Bethnal Green. The centre is closed but a selection of their practitioners are offering online therapy sessions

Green Space Coaching

Karen Liebenguth lives locally and is a certified life coach who runs a practice on Lyal Road. She is an accredited mindfulness teacher and expert with over 12 years of experience. On top of her usual services of online classes, she is currently offering 3x free 30-minute online mindfulness sessions. Email Karen at karen@greenspacecoaching.com quoting Roman Road LDN. For more information on Karen’s work, visit her website.

Breathing Space

This secular branch of the London Buddhist Centre is running an online mindfulness based cognitive therapy programme. For more information please visit the Breathing Space website.

The London Buddhist Centre

If you find yourself overwhelmed, why not slow down, sit down and simply…breathe. The London Buddhist Centre may have closed its doors, but they have free online meditation guides, and YouTube live-streaming sessions. Residents are currently able to reserve places for their new online classes on Mindfulness. The course focuses on becoming more aware of nature.  

Mental health and wellbeing with Rich Mix

Rich Mix has organised a virtual 10-week mental wellbeing ‘toolkit’ aimed at improving your mental resilience. It was designed in partnership with the NHS to give you the tools to get you through lockdown, and it’s free.

Be creative

There’s no better way to pass the time than doing something you enjoy. Starting a new hobby can also help you to relax, while also teaching yourself something new and useful. While you’re inside, here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep up your spirits. 

Hannah’s Big Sing

Hannah Brine is a local conductor, singing teacher and songwriter who used lockdown as an opportunity to created two original virtual choir pieces together with her choir group; Earth Prayer and Winter Lark. In between a busy schedule she hosts online singing lessons for choir singers of all abilities. Find out more about Hannah Brine’s inspiring group singing classes here.

Poplar Union

Ease into your Saturday morning with a relaxing drawing class. Join Pierre Bureau – as he walks you through an online photography workshop. Every week will be a different tutorial, teaching you a new aspect of photography.

Hoxton Mini Press

Imagine opening the door to wistfully stare at the outside world while being largely confined to your house, and you find… a book! On your doorstep. What a lovely surprise. Hoxton Mini Press is an independant books retailer and publisher. They are currently offering 20% off all deliveries

Cooking

As the cold dark winter draws in, it’s time to look to one’s recipe book for soul-nurturing food to lift spirits and heighten the immune system. Once the culinary delights start to flow, maybe a look to local chef Tamsin Robinson for inspiration, who over the summer created lockdown-friendly recipes with ingredients sourced from local shops. All the flavours of Roman Road, without leaving your house. 

Want to get involved? Here’s a list of local community groups.

Go here for live Twitter updates on what’s happening in your area.


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