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It’s difficult to stay active when you have a lot on your plate, especially when pandemics forced us to constantly stay at home. With most private and professional matters taking place in the comfort of our own homes, it’s even more crucial than ever to schedule time for staying active by practising physical activities. If you also feel this way, here are some simple movements you can do to help you stay active and live a healthier lifestyle.
Walk More
Walking is one of the simplest and most practical ways to keep active when you don’t have access to a gym. All you have to do to burn calories is walk faster and for longer periods of time, but you should also know your limit. Walking over extended periods of time, up hills, along with moving and swinging your arms with your body add value to your stroll. It’s best to get a smartwatch to monitor your steps and your heart rate throughout your walk. After a while, you can try to gradually work your way up to 10,000 steps each day.
Try visiting nearby parks to limit your travel and choose the less crowded time to avoid the crowd. Remember, we still need to apply social distancing rules even if we’re outdoors. Also, wash your hands or use your own hand sanitizer regularly and avoid touching your face once you’re out and about.
Stand Up All the Way
Stand up as much as possible to cut down on your sitting time. Preferably, it’s best to interrupt your sitting and relaxing time every 30 minutes. You can also consider building up a standing desk by utilising a high table or stacking a stack of books or other things so you can work while standing. If you get a phone call, answer your phone while standing up or moving around instead of sitting down.
Make the Most of Your Television Viewing Time
We live in a time when there is no end to the number of television programmes accessible, all of which can be accessed with a single click of a remote. Rather than sitting on the couch and munching your snacks, do some light exercise while you’re watching TV.
If you have an exercise machine such as a stationary cycle or a treadmill, place it in front of the TV and start moving as your favourite show begins. Alternatively, you could also place a mat in front of the TV and do some stretching or push-ups as you binge.
Set a Weekly Workout Regimen
You’ll be able to remain on track and achieve your fitness objectives if you plan your routines in advance. It may be difficult to adjust to a new schedule, but as you grow in shape, you’ll feel much better. It is recommended for adults to engage in a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. Children and teenagers should engage in at least one hour of physical exercise every day.
If you’re new to fitness, start slowly and try to stick to a regimen. You may want to step up your workout routine even more as your body familiarizes itself with your new routine.
Climb Your Way Up
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Instead of riding the escalator or elevator, opt for the stairs and climb your way up. Climbing up the stairs can help raise your heart rate and strengthen your muscles. They’re excellent methods to include physical exercise into your daily routine without having to plan ahead of time.
Do Those Chores
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Doing chores at home regularly does not only make your home squeaky clean, but it is also another approach to keep you active and moving throughout the week. Cleaning your house may use a multitude of muscle groups without your knowledge.
It’s not easy dragging a hefty vacuum around, especially if you’re going up and down the stairs. Scrubbing the toilet or vacuuming the floors are some of the ways to strengthen your arms, whereas washing the dishes or sweeping your house keeps you upright and moving. Not only you’ll get more active by doing these cores, but also make you get peace of mind with a clean house.
Stretch Every Now and Then
Stretching is important for maintaining your body in excellent shape, especially if you spend your days bent over a laptop. It is also important to make stretching a part of your regime after a workout.
Simple stretches also should be incorporated into both your wake-up and wind-down routines. Other than promoting a range of motion and flexibility, this will also improve blood circulation all over the body. It may also reduce your chances of being hurt or getting muscular cramps during the day.
Try New Active Hobbies
Take up new active hobbies such as yoga or salsa lessons in order to push yourself out of your comfort bubble. Choosing to pursue a new interest will introduce you to a group of individuals who will both inspire and push you in new ways. Who knows that you’ll find a new hobby with some new friends?
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