We’ve had a lot of queries at the Library from people looking for ways to keep healthy and fit while social distancing. Exercise can be a great way to stay in shape, both physically and mentally. While we’re not able to recommend or vet fitness routines for your individual needs, here’s a few resources to help you find something that works for you.
Online Databases: Great Courses and Hoopla
Two of our online databases include a wealth of video fitness resources. In the Great Courses, scroll down to the “Health, Fitness and Nutrition” section to find classes on Tai Chi & Qigong, strength training, mindfulness, yoga and more. You can checkout a 7-day pass and sample several courses to find one that appeals to you.
In Hoopla, you can browse by media (movies, eBooks, music) then select a category like “Health & Fitness” to bring up a variety of options. As an added benefit, some fitness videos are currently being offered as part of Hoopla’s COVID-19 Bonus Borrows, which means those videos won’t count towards your monthly checkout limit of 6 items.
eBooks and eAudiobooks
CloudLibrary and Overdrive (which operates the Libby app) also offer fitness eBooks and eAudiobooks ranging from instructional to inspirational. Find a list of them in our catalog using this link. Remember, you’ll still need to go to your app or visit the appropriate website to download these items, even if you check them out from our catalog. If you have any trouble, just email reference@bedfordnh.org and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process.
On the World Wide Web
Prevention Magazine’s website offers a great variety of workouts that you can do at home and many of them include snippets of video to show you what the exercises look like. Take a peek for yourself at https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workouts/
Running can be a great way to get out of the house AND get some exercise. Bedford-based Millenium Running is offering a free virtual 5K, coaching emails and miles tracking. To learn more, visit http://www.millenniumrunning.com/virtual
There’s also some great content on YouTube. One of our Library staff loves the Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVl6ZdslZz2Zj-34bMJFPbg) For yoga on YouTube – including videos geared towards a variety of levels – check out Yoga with Adrienne. (https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)
Apps
A lot of the Library staff have also been using apps to help instruct, motivate and track their workouts. A few favorites include:
Map My Walk / Map My Run – GPS based running and walking tracker.
Aaptiv – Audio based fitness classes let by certified personal trainers.
Down Dog – Customizable yoga routines.
Calm – Meditation and relaxation app with special features to help with sleep.
Strava – Running, cycling and swimming tracker with built in GPS.
A Quick Safety Note
As more of us strive to get outside, while still maintaining social distance, people are also more likely to go for a walk, run or bike ride by themselves. If you’re planning to head out on your own, consider wearing a Medical ID or Road ID so that you can easily be identified in an emergency. You may also want to make sure your emergency contacts are set up in your phone.
Not finding what you’re looking for?
We’re always happy to help patrons find resources on specific topics. Please feel free to email us at reference@bedfordnh.org or you can call the library at (603) 472-2300 and a staff member will call you back.
Stay healthy, Bedford!