Staying active when you are housebound may be easy but keeping yourself committed to a fitness routine may be a little more challenging.

If your fitness routine has been thrown out of whack, fret not.

Star Media Group (SMG) has teamed up with Fitness First, CHi Fitness, Celebrity Fitness and Fire Fitness, to bring readers a series of virtual wellness classes.

The StarFit campaign, which kicks off on May 7, will see live workout watch parties being simulcasted on the following SMG Facebook pages: The Star Online, dimsum entertainment, 988, StarProperty, Kuali and Perfect Livin.

“With the movement control order (MCO), we have all had to readjust our lifestyles and find a way to live under these new norms. But being indoors doesn’t mean we need to sideline our health and fitness needs. This new programme we’ve launched is our way of promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle, even under these extraordinary circumstances, “ said SMG’s chief executive officer, Andreas Vogiatzakis.

“We are happy to have the leading fitness brands as our partners and look forward to everyone’s participation during these live sessions. You can look forward to seeing more great initiatives from the Group as we continue to deliver exciting products and programmes for Malaysians and beyond, ” he added.

The twice-a-week workouts on Thursdays (6-8pm) and Saturdays (10am-12pm) will vary in intensity and cater to every age group and ability, so no one will be left trailing.

However, note that workout start times may be potentially delayed up to 15 minutes.

Fitness professionals from different gyms will lead the classes, either in a one-on-one training format or in a group class style. They will be exploring different aspects of fitness, in the hope of making exercise a part of your lifestyle.

Classes will range from simple bodyweight exercises to barre, yoga (dynamic, flow and gentle), dance, core workouts, high-intensity interval training and more. The duration of the classes will differ, depending on what is being offered.

Prior to the MCO, maintaining a work-life balance remained an elusive struggle for most working adults. But, keeping active and sticking to good eating habits amidst a dizzying conundrum of modern-day demands is not as impossible as it sounds.

If you’ve never followed a fitness class before, now is the ideal time to try a new activity – in the comfort of your home, with your family members. No cost is involved – just a willingness to have some fun, a bit of space to move about and appropriate clothing. Sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on the physical, emotional and mental health of individuals.

With cases of mental health on the rise lately due to being cooped up indoors, we’re here to offer you some assistance. Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your overall wellbeing during this time.

When you exercise, your body releases the feel-good, stress-busting endorphin hormone, leaving you feeling euphoric afterwards.

So, come join us as we pursue our health, fitness and happiness together in the StarFit party!

The schedule of classes will be updated every Sunday and can be viewed here: Feel the Burn with StarFit