Now more than ever, it is important to stay active and healthy. For those who regularly go to fitness groups and workout classes, whether it be at a senior center, gym, or in their community, the idea of working out at home may seem impossible.
Rather than letting this discourage you, use it as an opportunity to explore new ways of getting active and staying fit. This is a perfect time to try new at-home workouts or learn to incorporate healthy habits into your daily life.
Tips to Staying Active at Home
- Stick to a Regular Exercise Routine
Committing to a regular workout routine helps ensure that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. It can be tempting to sit on the couch all day and watch the news or read a book, but getting outside for fresh air to take a walk, stretch on the porch, or just walking up and down the stairs a few times is enough to get your heart pumping. Not only will this help your body stay healthy, but will have a huge impact on your mood during this time.
For example: Try waking up at the same time every day and before you shower and get dressed for the day, do a workout or exercise that fits your lifestyle. Be sure to follow your physician’s directions as to what exercises are best for you.
- Try Hobbies that Keep You Moving
One of the best ways to keep moving is to adopt or maintain hobbies that encourage you to be active. Sure, a puzzle is a nice way to relax at the end of the day, but it doesn’t do much for your body and physical health. This doesn’t mean you have to jog or walk or do any cardio. In fact, some of the things to get your joints working smoothly and help you find relief from arthritis pain are things like knitting.
If knitting isn’t for you, here are some other options:
- Scrapbooking
- Playing an instrument
- Origami
- Cooking
- Writing
Things like this help dexterity and gently stretch muscles that may not get exercise otherwise.
- Housework
Perhaps not the most enjoyable activity, but cleaning, straightening up the house, and doing tasks like vacuuming are great for your heart rate and getting physically active while at home. Take advantage of this time to clean out a closet or straighten a room in your house that may need a little extra TLC. You’ll knock out some exercise and a much-needed task at once!
- Gardening
Now that spring is here, it is time to get our gardens started and it is the perfect time to work out in the yard – whether you are getting your flower beds ready for colorful blooms or a vegetable garden ready to produce yummy goodies all summer long. Gardening is a great way to be active – standing, walking, moving – without feeling like you are exercising at a gym or using home equipment.
Be sure to use safe practices while kneeling and bending while gardening.
- Online Exercise Classes
The beauty of the internet is that you find just about anything – and that includes workout classes and exercise videos. YouTube is a great way to search for at-home exercises based on your ability. Yoga, pilates, Zumba, and even light cardio options can be found using a simple search.
Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks while exercising to prevent overdoing it or causing pain. Talk to your doctor about safe options for staying active while at home. Take advantage of our Telehealth program to make an online appointment today!