Whether you work from home or are looking for ways to be active during the times you’re at home, here is some information for maintaining or increasing your level of physical activity. Especially during the COVID-19 crisis and Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, it is important to stay active for both your physical and mental health.

Being active inside

• Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation has a YouTube channel with exercise and educational classes to tune into at home.
• There are many exercises that you can do at home—even without any gym equipment. The American Council on Exercise shared a list of resources to exercise while you’re indoors. For other exercise classes, here’s an article of some free, online workout classes to follow along at home.
• If you’re looking for ways to engage your family in exercise, look for more active chores or family games where everyone can move around. Playworks also has a library of games for children of all ages.

Being active outside

• Even if you’re spending time at home, you can still walk, run, or bike nearby to get in some physical activity—whether it be around the block or at a park. Head over to our parks and trails page to find a park or trail near you.
• If you visit a public park or trail during the COVID-19 crisis, be sure to maintain social distancing and remain 6 feet away from others.
• If you don’t have access to trails, parks, or other means of exercise, there are still many ways to incorporate physical activity into your day—like walking your dog, raking the yard, or gardening.

Resources for more information

For further information about at-home physical activity, the health benefits of physical activity, and guidance about being active during the COVID-19 crisis, consult the following organizations:

Active Schools

• List of family-friendly activities to stay active at home

American Heart Association

• Working out while staying safe during the coronavirus outbreak
• How to more more anytime, anywhere
• Limiting screen time and getting the whole family moving
• Information on the benefits of walking

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

• List of COVID-19-related parks and recreation news and resources
• The benefits of physical activity for your mental health

World Health Organization (WHO)

• A Q&A about being active during COVID-19

For more information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), head over to our health department website or our county-wide COVID-19 page.