Guide to free services to keep you moving during coronavirus
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies around the world have offered their services for free to help folks get through these uncertain times. This is especially helpful for people in industries forced to layoff of workers and shutter their doors. Whether you’re looking to work off your nervous energy with some exercise, read your way through a library’s worth of books, or schedule an appointment with a mental health professional, these free services can help you keep your composure and your cash.
Move your body and clear your mind
It can be all too easy to give in to the urge to sink deeper into the couch as the days in self-quarantine pass with no end in sight. A few minutes of guided meditation or talk with your therapist will clear your mind—and so will a sweat sesh, which can help you shake the pent-up anxiety you’re likely feeling. The good news is that it’s still perfectly fine to head outdoors for a jog (as long as you take the right precautions and don’t exchange any high fives along the way). But if you miss the structure of organized group classes, here are a few companies committed to helping you stay healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Take care of your mental health
- Headspace, a mediation app that we recommend, is offering free subscriptions to US health-care workers through the end of 2020. To qualify, you’ll need to provide your National Provider Identifier.
- The online therapy company Talkspace plans to provide 1,000 free months of therapy for impacted health-care workers. More information is forthcoming, though the company is also offering $100 off all plans with the code 1004U.
Burn off that nervous energy
- Downward Dog Yoga, a fitness app that offers guided yoga, HIIT, and barre classes, is opening its library of videos for free until April 1.
- Pure Barre studio is offering Pure Barre On Demand free for 30 days with code EXTENDEDTRIAL.
- The workout streaming app Tone It Up is offering free access to its programs for new members for the next month.
- Planet Fitness is streaming live, at-home workouts for free on its Facebook page daily at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.