One of the biggest challenges about being stuck at home all the time is staying active. Not only is exercise essential for staying physically healthy, but it also plays an important role in maintaining good mental health. As little as 10 minutes of exercise is proven to release endorphins in the brain that can lift our mood and help us keep a positive mindset.
While most of us are well aware of the benefits of regular exercise, putting this knowledge into practice when subject to the constraints involved with being under lockdown during a global health pandemic is not as straightforward as it might sound. To help you out where stating fit is concerned, we have put together this list of helpful home workout tips that even an amateur can try.
- Use the Stairs
You may not realize it, but you already have an incredible workout tool in your house: the stairs! The anaerobic respiration that is involved in climbing them is perfect for getting your heart pumping and your sweat flowing. Set yourself the target of running up them 20 times in a row as part of your workout and you will soon find you are getting into shape.
- Take Up Yoga or Pilates
Yoga and Pilates are similar in that they do not involve any equipment. This makes them perfect for a simple home workout. Do not worry if you have never done yoga or Pilates before and have no idea where to start. There are now tons of instructive videos available for free online that will soon have you moving like an experienced yogi.
- Do Bodyweight Exercises
You do not always need weights or machines to build your physique. If you use it correctly, your body is already heavy enough to provide a good workout on its own. Start a routine with sets of squats, pushups, lunges, jumping jacks and planks. Increase the repetitions when you feel like things are getting easy.
- Get On Your Exercise Bike
Most of us have an old exercise bike that we bought in a moment of inspiration but then barely used. Now could be the moment to remove it from the closet under the stairs and get pedaling. Set yourself a target distance every day and increase it over time for a challenge.
- Order a Set of Weights and a Bench
If all else fails, you can always order some equipment in to help. There are some great deals on dumbbells and exercise benches out there online that can be shipped to your address at short notice. Once installed, you will have your very own home gym that might mean you never go back to your local one.
Staying fit when stuck at home is important for both your physical and mental health. If you are struggling for ideas, try some of the ideas listed above. With just a bit of effort, you will soon find that home workouts can be fun as well as rewarding.
