Stay Active at Home: 18 Fun and Easy Ways to Get Moving
As we spend more time at home, it’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But staying active is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. 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, whether you’re working from home or just living your best life.
Why Staying Active Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. That’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Regular physical activity can improve brain health, maintain or lose weight, strengthen muscles, and boost your immune system.
Ways to Stay Active at Home
- Walk It Out: Walking is a great way to get your body moving, whether it’s around the house or outside. Aim for 10,000 steps a day.
- Get a Dog: Having a dog can encourage you to be more active, whether it’s taking them for a walk or playing with them in the yard.
- Clean It Up: Cleaning is a great way to get moving while also keeping your home tidy. Try incorporating some dance moves into your cleaning routine.
- Cook Up Some Moves: Cooking can be a physical activity too! Try dancing around the kitchen as you prepare your meals.
- Dance, Dance: Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up and have fun. Put on some music and get moving.
- Make the Most of TV Time: Why not exercise while you watch TV? Try using a stationary bike or doing some bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks.
- Get Moving with a Podcast or Audiobook: Listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook while you exercise or do some physical activity.
- Resistance Exercises: Resistance bands are a great way to work out at home. Try incorporating them into your daily routine.
- Sneak in Some Cardio: There are plenty of at-home aerobic workouts that can help you get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health.
- Pilates: Pilates is a great bodyweight exercise that can help improve your posture, flexibility, and balance.
- Yoga: Yoga is another great way to improve your flexibility and reduce stress. Try incorporating it into your daily routine.
- Stretch It Out: Stretching is important for keeping your body feeling good, especially if you’re hunched over a computer all day.
- Laundry Squats: Make laundry day more active by incorporating squats into your routine.
- Stand Up While Folding Laundry: Instead of sitting down to fold laundry, try standing up and getting some extra steps in.
- Garden On the Move: Gardening is a great way to get some physical activity while also enjoying the outdoors.
- Bang It Out: Sex is a great workout too! Not only can it help you burn calories, but it can also reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Workout in Bed: Yes, you can even exercise in bed! Try doing some gentle stretches or yoga poses before you get out of bed.
- Read and Move: Why not make reading time more active? Try using a stationary bike or doing some wall sits while you read.
Staying Active While Working from Home
When you’re working 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: Use your call time to get up and move around.
- Don’t Sit, Stand!: Try using a standing desk or DIYing your own with some stacked boxes or crates.
- Feel Free to Fidget: Fidgeting is okay when you’re working from home! Tap your feet, swing your legs, or do some simple exercises at your desk.
- Lunch and Lunge: Make lunchtime more active by doing some squats or lunges between bites.
- Set Reminder Alarms: Set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to get up and move around throughout the day.
Signs You’re Not Moving Enough
If you’re experiencing pain in your back, shoulders, or legs, feeling fatigued, or having trouble sleeping, it may be a sign that you’re not moving enough. Take control of your physical activity and incorporate some of these fun and easy ways to stay active at home. Your body (and mind) will thank you!
Leave a Reply