Worried About Losing Your Gains During Lockdown? Here’s How You Can Limit Muscle Mass Loss While Gyms Are Shut

One of the most challenging aspects of the COVID-19 lockdown for lovers of exercise has to be the closure of gyms. Those who enjoy working out see the gym as their happy place, the place they can go to switch off from all external stressors in life and just focus on themselves.

Now that gyms are shut, it’s like a real kick in the teeth, as during these uncertain times of the pandemic, many people’s mental health would improve significantly if they were still allowed to workout at the gym.

One understandable worry that avid gym-goers may be experiencing at the minute is the fear that they’re losing muscle. Realistically, if you’re no longer lifting heavy weights on a daily basis, then you should expect to see some muscle loss.
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However, that doesn’t mean that you have to completely give up on your fitness plans, and resort to spending your days watching Netflix and eating ice cream. Here are some tips for limiting muscle mass loss during lockdown:

Stay Active
A basic workout is better than no workout at all, so even if you don’t have any equipment at home, try not to be discouraged. There are still some exercises you can to from home that will keep your muscles toned and pumped.

While you’re probably used to lifting weights, don’t underestimate the benefits that bodyweight exercises such as lunges, squats and push ups can have on your body. Be prepared to do a lot more reps than you would be doing with weights, since the first ten or twenty are likely to feel ridiculously easy.

During this time, it’s also worth shifting your mindset and letting go of any need to progress. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic, and you’re doing all you can given the current circumstances.

Purchase Some Home Workout Equipment
If you’re serious about keeping your gains, then some home workout equipment is seriously worth investing in. With your new equipment, you might find yourself craving those trips to the gym less and less, since working out from home comes with its own benefits.

DN Fit offer a variety of home workout gear from adjustable dumbbells, squat racks and kettlebells in a range of different sizes, so you no longer have to worry about losing any of your gym gains. To check out the full range that DN Fit have on offer, click here www.dnfit.co.uk.

Keep An Eye On Your Protein Intake
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, so even if your workout isn’t as intense as usual, then you should still keep up your protein consumption. You can easily get protein from protein shakes or high-protein foods like chicken or eggs. Aim to hit between 1.6-2.0g of protein per kg of bodyweight.
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Maintain Your Previous Calorie Consumption
Just because you’re no longer able to work out at the gym, doesn’t mean that you should lower your calorie intake. Our muscles need calories in order to function properly, so reducing your calorie consumption could result in the dreaded muscle-loss that no one wants to see!