It’s too dreary to exercise outside. Or maybe the weather is fine, but you just feel like staying in for the day. Or perhaps you want to avoid crowds and public spaces. Whatever the case may be, you’re holed up at home, but you still want to get exercise. Here are some ways you can do it.
1. Turn on some music and dance.
Dancing will not only get your blood pumping, but it will lift your spirits, too. Find some upbeat tunes, crank up the volume, and dance around the room!
2. Take a virtual exercise class.
With websites such as YouTube hosting instructional videos on every type of exercise, from yoga to kickboxing, you can learn a new fitness regimen or continue to develop your current workout routine from the comfort of home, at your own convenience. All you need is some space and a good Internet connection.
3. Create an indoor walking or jogging route.
Your walking or jogging route could be as simple as a circuit around your living room. Or, your route could traverse the entire house, take you up and down stairs and even incorporate obstacles, such as footstools, to jump or climb over. Use a fitness tracker to monitor the distance that you cover; you might have to do several repetitions of your route in order to reach your desired number of miles or steps for the day.
4. Consider calisthenics.
Calisthenic exercises, such as jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups, are some of the most basic movements that you can do to get a cardiovascular workout and tone specific groups of muscles. Plus, you don’t need any equipment or even much space in which to do them. If you haven’t done calisthenics before, go online to find ideas for specific types of calisthenic exercises and tips on how to do them safely.
5. Do housework.
If you like the idea of getting exercise while checking items off your to-do list, then consider performing a high-energy chore such as vacuuming or mopping the floors. Even dusting can give you a workout if you do it long enough, at a reasonably brisk pace.
Exercising can lift your morale and keep you in shape when you’re house-bound. These five forms of exercise in particular will help you to work up a sweat at home. As with any type of exercise, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout, and don’t over-exert yourself. If you’re not sure about whether you can safely do a specific type of exercise, consult your doctor or a fitness coach before attempting it.