All over the world, millions of people are currently in lockdown. Staying home is the responsible thing to do and should definitely be commended, but many of us struggle with finding solutions to some of the issues that crop up when we’re forced to stay inside. As an example, what can you do to stay fit at home?
Those of us that are active on a day-to-day basis may find themselves with a strong case of cabin fever now that we all have to stay home. Of course, it’s the responsible thing to do, so it’s great if you’re staying in. However, if you worry about your usual workout routine, no one can blame you for that.
Without the option to head out to the gym or go for a refreshing jog, exercise lovers struggle to come up with different ways to maintain regular physical activity. If this is you, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Let’s delve into the different ways you can work out without leaving house.
The Benefits of Daily Activity
Even if you’re a gym junkie, you may sometimes be asking yourself something along the lines of: “why should I bother?”. It’s true that global quarantine has an adverse effect on all of us and affects our motivation greatly. Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for us in many ways, so it’s good to keep moving.
We know that it’s easy to fall off the wagon and let go of your old habits when everything is so uncertain and stressful. However, your mental and physical health are both the exact reasons why all experts recommend maintaining a workout routine even when staying home.
Aiming to stay fit at home comes with a long list of benefits. Here are some of them:
- Mental health — when you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in your mind and your body. This means exercise can do wonders if you’re feeling morose and anxious over the state of the world.
- Physical health — exercise will help your blood flow, raise body temperature, boost your immune system, burn extra calories and increase your general fitness level.
- Maintenance — if you worked out pre-quarantine, it’s important that you don’t stop now. Only regular exercises will help you maintain muscle mass.
Aside from the above, working out can be lots of fun and a great way to pass the time. Getting a workout in at the end of the day will help you sleep, while morning exercises will help you start your day on the right foot.
Easy Ways to Stay Fit at Home
You’ve made the choice to work on your workout routine at home — that’s great! Here are some of our favorite recommendations that everyone can try in the safety of their own bedroom.
Stair climbing, pacing, running
Climbing the stairs or pacing can make for an excellent cardio workout that does wonders for the muscles in your legs. It also helps you burn calories and builds up your stamina.
Just a 20-second fast stair-climbing session, when repeated, will help you achieve this. If you’ve got enough room, you can try to walk briskly around the house or around your garden. With enough space, you can even run. Put on some music and try to walk or jog until you get tired and feel your body temperature rising.
Dancing
What better way is there to rid yourself of your worries than to dance them all away? Dancing to your favorite songs will get you moving, make you feel happier and liberated, and it will still work as an exercise! If you don’t live alone, this can be a fun activity for an entire family — the kids will love it just as much as the adults.
Push-ups, sit-ups
These two forms of exercise are fantastic for building up your core muscles, your calves, thighs, arms, and many more. Try to get at least 2-4 sets of 10+ repetitions of each exercise and make sure that you rest in between.
Weight-lifting
Even if you don’t own a set of dumbells, you can still add weight-lifting or other forms of strength training to your “stay fit at home” masterplan. Dumbell replacements can easily be made with, as an example, plastic water bottles filled with water, sand, or rocks. Mixing in these lifting sessions into your newly created workout routine will help you build and maintain muscle mass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to stay fit at home?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a whole lot of equipment to get a successful workout in your own home. A lot of exercises can be done with nothing but a little bit of space and a dash of creativity.
What kind of exercise do I need the most?
Depending on the kind of exercise you used to engage in the most, you may want to do a mixture of cardio, strength training, or even light exercises such as yoga or other flexibility moves. Remember to adapt our tips to match your comfort levels and don’t push it too hard — no one likes to feel sore the next day!
How often should I exercise?
Plan out your workouts and try to stick to a schedule. According to the experts representing the WHO (World Health Organization), all adults should aim to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Alternatively, you can aim for 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. It’s also recommended that you aim for at least two days of muscle-strengthening workouts per week.
If this is too much for you to start with, don’t worry and take things at your own pace. The important thing is to get started and not let this lockdown get you down!
Stay Fit, Stay Happy
Taking care of yourself has never been more important than it is now. If you start exercising today, in just a few short weeks you will reap the benefits of making the choice to stay fit at home today.
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