Staying Active at Home: Tips and Tricks to Keep You Moving
As we spend more time at home, it’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But don’t let the comforts of your couch fool you – staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. The good news is that you don’t need to leave your house to get moving. Here are 18 fun and easy ways to stay active at home, plus some additional tips for those who work from home.
Why Staying Active Matters
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk about why staying active is so important. Regular physical activity can:
- Improve brain health
- Help with weight management
- Strengthen muscles
- Boost your immune system
Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which breaks down to just 30 minutes a day over 5 days.
18 Ways to Stay Active at Home
- Walk It Out: Take a walk around your house or neighborhood to get your body moving.
- Get a Dog: Having a furry friend can encourage you to be more active.
- Clean It Up: Cleaning is a great way to get moving while keeping your home tidy.
- Cook Up Some Moves: Turn cooking into a workout by dancing and moving around the kitchen.
- Dance, Dance: Put on your favorite tunes and get moving.
- Make the Most of TV Time: Exercise while you watch TV to make the most of your downtime.
- Get Moving with a Podcast or Audiobook: Listen to your favorite shows while taking a walk or doing some light exercise.
- Resistance Exercises: Use resistance bands to work out different muscle groups.
- Sneak in Some Cardio: Find ways to incorporate cardio into your daily routine, like taking the stairs.
- Pilates: Practice Pilates at home to improve flexibility and strength.
- Yoga: Do yoga at home to reduce stress and improve flexibility.
- Stretch It Out: Incorporate stretching into your daily routine to improve flexibility.
- Laundry Squats: Turn laundry day into a workout by incorporating squats.
- Stand Up While Folding Laundry: Stand up while folding laundry to keep your posture straight.
- Garden on the Move: Plant a garden and tend to it to get some physical activity.
- Bang It Out: Get active in the bedroom to burn calories and relieve stress.
- Workout in Bed: Exercise in bed to make the most of your morning routine.
- Wall Sits: Do wall sits while reading to keep your legs active.
Staying Active While Working from Home
When you work from home, it’s easy to get stuck in front of your computer all day. Here are some tips to help you stay active:
- Walk During Calls: Take advantage of conference calls to get up and move around.
- Don’t Sit, Stand!: Use a standing desk or DIY your own to combat poor posture.
- Feel Free to Fidget: Fidgeting can help you stay active and focused.
- Lunch and Lunge: Take a break during lunch to do some quick exercises.
- Set Reminder Alarms: Set alarms to remind yourself to get up and move throughout the day.
- Under Desk Mini Pedal Machines: Invest in a mini pedal machine to keep your legs active.
- Try an Exercise Ball Chair: Use an exercise ball chair to add some bounce to your WFH time.
Signs You’re Not Moving Enough
If you’re experiencing:
- Back, shoulder, or leg pain
- Fatigue
- Increased stress
- Trouble sleeping
- Digestive issues
it may be a sign that you’re not moving enough. Make a change today and start incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Your body (and mind) will thank you!
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