Everyone has different goals during this quarantine, and you can basically figure out what they are from Instagram. I’ve realized that people are reading more books, drinking wine, having virtual happy hours, and putting on their chef hats and cooking and baking up a storm. My goals include staying active and eating as healthy as possible. Here’s a look at how I’ve been using this time, how I’ve been working out at home and some of the dishes I’ve been preparing over the last three weeks.

Exercising And Staying Motivated Virtually

Cyclebar Smithfield: If you have a spin bike at your house, I highly recommend taking a class with this crew. The CycleBar instructors are trained to be the best and give you an incredible workout. They’ve been streaming classes via all the platforms, including on Instagram LIVE. (Those stays up for 24 hours, too, so if you don’t feel like it now, you can later.) If for some reason you feel spin is not for you, I challenge you to get on a bike and take a class. It’s a full body workout that will challenge you. It’s also one of the only workouts during which you can literally close your eyes and forget about all the shit that’s going on (because of the music and how the instructors lead their classes). After this quarantine, I better see my PattyJ.com friends at CB Smithfield!

The Barre + Yoga Experience: So impressed with this studio. They were one of the first gyms (that I saw) to go virtual! I have been doing 1-2 classes a day, and trust me, it’s never gets easier (in a good way). They are running so many specials right now and doing virtual bingo for a FREE unlimited monthly membership. If you have never done barre or yoga, I challenge you to try something new during this time. (Shoutout to Angelia!) I actually got my sister hooked on this studio!

There are so many gyms that have gone virtual that there’s no excuse to stop exercising. I know the Orange Theory coaches have been doing Facebook Live’s. (Shoutout to Taya and Danielle…love them)!) Join a gym that works for you and your body.

If you’re finding it difficult to get motivated, I suggest connecting digitally with a friend to help you get or stay on track. Every time I’m feeling blah, I FaceTime one of my best friends. We have been doing virtual workouts together, sending videos back and forth of one another on spin bikes, and sharing our favorite recipes. (You can follow her @therealslimschady on Instagram. She’s awesome and will most likely motivate you to be a better version of yourself.)

Quarantine Life Eating

Some of my other friends are saying that after this quarantine, they’re going to have to go on a “major diet.” Instead of living on candy, cookies or french fries, I’ve been exploring new (nutritious) recipes. This is one of the only times, probably in our lifetime, that we don’t have to worry about going anywhere where we’ll be surrounded by junk food. And, besides, who feels like having to worry about losing weight once this is all over? (You’ll thank me later.)

Here are some of the recipes I’ve been cooking up in quarantine:

Healthy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

The Easiest Cheese And Vegetable Frittata

Pita Bread Pizza

N.Johna