With the coronavirus massively altering almost every aspect of our life, it might be the time we need to adapt to the new normal. We know you have very little to do being stuck at home, whether you are in isolation, quarantined, or lockdown. But just because you can’t go outside for your regular morning run or cycling or continue with your gym sessions doesn’t mean you have to sit idly at home.
Even if you are at home, you need adequate movement or muscle activity. When all of our work and entertainment options require us mostly to be in a sedentary position, it becomes all the more important that you maintain some semblance of a regular workout routine at home. Wondering what you can do just within the few feet of space in your living room when you are used to the vast expanse of outdoor or various gym types of equipment? Read on to find out.
Turn Your Home into a Gym
We know most gyms are closed or are operating with limited service. Even if the gyms were open, you might not be able to visit yours because you are in quarantine. So why not turn your home into a gym?
You don’t need fancy or expensive gym types of equipment to get some gym experience right at home. Some basic gym types of equipment such as a jump rope, resistant band, and dumbbells are enough to get you started. You can check out the 10 best home gym equipment to buy during covid isolation to get some ideas on what you need.
March Up and Down the Stairs
Old school stairs are your friends when you are quarantined. Run up and down the stairs several times a day to keep your muscles active. Make sure you maintain a fast-climbing routine, possibly several 20-second rounds. Regular stair climbing can provide holistic benefits to your health- it can burn fat, tone your body, and strengthen your lower body parts- legs, thighs, and calves.
Besides, stair climbing is a good form of cardio exercise that you can start right away. Using stairs can save you from encountering other people in a closed space like the lift. However, due to the pandemic, make sure you don’t touch the stair handrails if you are using the common stairs in your apartments for rent in Boulder.
Don’t Be Sitting All Day
We know almost all your work involves sitting down in front of a screen. And you may spend your free time scrolling through your social media feeds. This sedentary lifestyle might take its toll on your health- you might develop a metabolic disorder, heart disease, or obesity.
To take a break from a sedentary position, after 20-30 minutes of sitting down at a stretch, move your body for 1-2 minutes. Just walk around the room, taking in the fresh air in the balcony or window. Segment your work, so you get this short break every thirty minutes or so.
While scrolling through the smartphone, you can set a timer to alert you exactly how much time you spent sitting down and staring at a screen. This way, you won’t get sucked into the endless labyrinth of social media feeds.
Play With Your Pets
We know parks are not an option now for playing with your pets, but you can still make the time worthwhile for your pets by playing some indoor games. Besides, pets need attention during this tough time as much as you do.
After all, they too are stuck at home just like you. When outdoors are their natural habitat, they need extra care to make them active at home. Order online some fun pet toys and see how much you both enjoy your homestay. Time will fly before you know it!
Spend Time with Your Kids
If you have kids, you surely know kids are natural bundles of energy, and trying to keep up with them itself is nothing short of a workout! Invent fun games with your kids that involve keeping both of you active. Start some DIY home exercise or project with your kids just to stay active. Install a swing, basketball hoop, or hula hoop in your yard.
Being detached from all their friends, they will appreciate you spending time with them. It will provide both of you with a much-needed break from work and homeschooling.
Dance Your Way Out Of the Mental Slump
Staying at home all day can get boring, and at times, it can get you mentally down. And all the bad news of the pandemic doesn’t help either with an already down mood. Dancing might be the best way to get out of this mental slump. Dance can boost both your mental and physical health.
High-intensity dance can improve your heart health and provide a good workout to your muscles. So next time you feel the blues, turn up some EDM or fast beat music and dance your heart out. You will feel much better after a quick dopamine release.
Bodyweight Exercise
When you use your own body weight in the exercise, you don’t need any special equipment. You just need to clear up a few square feet in your living room, and you are good to go. Simple sit-ups, push-ups, and planks can help you a great deal while exercising at home.
Incorporate at least a couple of bodyweight training exercises in your weekly routine. Continue with 2-4 sets of 8-12 reps – press up, pull up, dips, side plank, back extensions, and other exercise routines every week. Don’t forget to take short breaks after every 2-3 minutes of workout.
Practice Light Lifting Exercise
Weight lifting is necessary for improving your mobility. Besides, it can boost your metabolism. You can try gentle weight lifting at home with a dumbbell. If you don’t have any, try improvising with some makeshift weight; you can fill up an empty milk bottle with water and try lifting it.
The Bottom Line
Staying active during quarantine doesn’t have to be costly or even impossible. And exercise doesn’t always have to be outdoors or in gyms. Just the clever use of what you have at home can help you with a great workout routine. For instance, you can use the living room chair to help you with some triceps curl. With exercising, make sure you follow a healthy diet and keep your mental strength up. Hopefully, you will get out of the quarantine healthy and fit.
