5 Indoor Exercise Ideas
If you are busy taking care of elderly loved ones and/or children every day, it’s important to remember to also take care of yourself this winter. Busy schedules and the cold weather can make maintaining an exercise routine impossible this winter, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity and 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. Here are five easy ways to get the recommended amount of exercise you need each week this winter:
Dance: Even people who hate to exercise can burn close to 100 calories without feeling like they are exercising by dancing around their room for just about 30 minutes. Don’t like fast-paced music? Using a wall in your home, try some barre exercises. Barre workouts have become increasingly popular due to their ability to tone long, lean muscles quickly and effectively.
Jump: If you typically run or walk outside when the weather is pleasant, jumping rope or doing jumping jacks can give you the cardio workout your body needs without going into the cold. Jumping burns a surprising number of calories, and takes up very little space, making it an easy exercise for those living in an apartment or small home.
Clean: Accomplish two things at once by cleaning your home this winter! Vacuuming, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher and mopping the floors all make you tired for a reason – cleaning is hard physical work. Give your home a good cleaning and you’ll enjoy the endorphins your body will receive post-workout while relaxing in your immaculate living room after your productive day.
Lift: Lifting weights is one of the single most effective exercises you can do to keep your body in tip-top shape this winter. A set of 10-pound dumbbells will cost you just a few dollars – far less than a gym membership, and much more convenient. Looking to try something new? Try a kettlebell workout.
Play: If you have children, running around with them is a great way to bond and to burn some calories. One fun idea: teach your children how to play charades. It will get them off of the sofa and will give all of you a fun activity to do together that is creative and active.
