Advice from Natalie, your health and lifestyle coach: Keeping You and Your Pet Active During COVID

It’s no surprise that COVID has had a universal effect on health and wellness, especially as gyms have either been shutdown or are operating at reduced capacities, or have been fluctuating between the two. One positive to come out of this though, has been the emphasis on trying to get outside for exercise, even if only for a walk around the neighborhood.

This situation has forced us to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to health and wellness, and Natalie’s Fitness Elements Garage has been innovating as well to provide online health coaching in addition to in-person sessions abiding by all regulatory guidance. Today, we have some advice on why getting outside can help keep you active during COVID while also benefiting your pet (if you have one!).

Even if you’re able to utilize a gym facility, or you’ve adapted to a home workout routine, exercising outside has many proven benefits for both the mind and body. Training at home is still better than nothing, but doesn’t offer certain benefits such as exposure to vitamin D as well as increased levels of serotonin (which affects mood and sleep) that result from being exposed to sunlight.

Studies have also shown that the human brain can be more creative in new environments, especially outdoors. So if you’re thinking through something at work or looking for a solution to a problem, exercising outside might give your brain the creative boost it needs to come up with fresh ideas that can help you tackle whatever it is that’s on your mind.

When pets are cooped up inside, they tend to go a bit stir crazy, just like us humans do. And they often resort to frustrating behaviors such as digging holes outside, chewing furniture, and plenty of other things that you probably don’t want to deal with. That’s why it’s just as important to get your pet outside as well!

Getting outside for a walk or just to play around helps keep pets fit and healthy. For dogs especially, walks help them go to the bathroom regularly which in turn can ward off a host of digestive and circulatory problems. Plus, they get to bond with you more and the new sights and smells stimulate their brains as well as yours.

It’s easy to throw your hands up and throw your health and wellness to the wayside during these crazy times, but it’s more important than ever to resist that urge. Regular exercise is a proven first-line defense against illness and finding opportunities to get outside and exercise only maximizes those health benefits.


If you need help maintaining your health and wellness during COVID, Natalie’s Fitness Elements Garage is here to help! Natalie is a certified Master trainer who specializes in senior fitness and can help find a suitable health and lifestyle program for you either in person or virtually!