What is the worst part of a workout? Most people don’t consider working out difficult on itself. But find going to the gym an even bigger challenge. Alright, we admit. Leaving one’s comfort zone isn’t all that easy. And this holds especially for when it’s winter or in the harmattan. Who in their right mind chooses to leave the warm cosiness of their home to go to the gym???!!! Besides, with the pandemic still going strong, many gyms have temporarily closed down.
However, regular physical activity is vital for a healthy lifestyle. So, that workout you’re probably avoiding because it’s too cold (and not because you’re scared of getting infected) needs to happen! Fortunately, there are a lot of exercises you can do at home to keep fit. So do these ten exercises to get your heart pumping and your blood moving in this cold weather.
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The Don’t-Have-Time Plan
Sometimes things get too busy to take out time for a full routine. So there needs to be a tried and tested workout in place for such days. Make a plan for those days when you know you will be swamped with work. That way, you can start your routine as soon as you get time. Write down a simple routine for when you are in a rush. Do five sets with five reps of five different exercises. So, you can do five burpees, five squats, five mountain climbers, five around the world, and five lunges.
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Use a Fitness Machine for Workout
Do you like watching TV while working out? An exercise machine offers the perfect home Netflix-and-gym experience. Get yourself an Elliptical or a vertical climber on an episode of The Queen’s Gambit, and voila, you’re good to go!
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Jump In And Jump Out
A jumping rope is the most effective exercise for your body when you don’t have any other equipment or machines. It is a great way to get your heart pumping more blood and tone your muscles. One minute of using a jumping rope burns ten calories. That might not sound like a lot, but trust us, it’s very effective. The best thing is that you are engaging all muscle areas from your core to your quads. So, what are you waiting for? Get your rope and get skipping.
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Open Your Chakras With Yoga
Not everyone can do an intense workout. Some people workout to destress and alleviate anxiety. If relaxation and meditation is your primary goal, then yoga is excellent for you. Learn how to regulate your breathing and open your airways. Yoga can also make you more flexible and reduce the strain on your muscles. Grab a yoga mat and pick a quiet corner in your house to do yoga. There are many online classes beginners can follow for some zen time.
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Try Out Pilates
Pilates improves balance and strengthens muscles. Since most moves focus on posture and alignment, it is great for rehabilitation after injuries. It is a great workout that can make you more flexible and strong. The routines are of low intensity yet very effective. But some equipment is needed to do pilates at home. Buy some sliders to mimic your pilates class at home. Add weights to improve resistance when you go through the movements. Go through a tutorial on the subject before you begin.
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Dance Your Way To A Home Workout
Exercising does not have to be a chore. Dancing is an excellent form of low-impact cardio. Thirty minutes of dancing burns almost 150 calories. And you can choose from a variety of dance styles to incorporate into a home workout routine. What’s more, it also brightens your mood. So, put your favourite records on and dance to your heart’s content.
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Zumba
A more intense dance workout, Zumba is the most popular exercise class around the world. Set to upbeat music, you will do routines that incorporate salsa and flamenco. An hour of Zumba burns more than 370 calories. You will jump, bounce, and shake. Choose a workout video and start your fitness journey today.
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Pick Up The Weights
Who said you can’t do weights at home? Literally no one! Most people avoid weight training for several reasons. Some think that it will be too difficult, while others do not want to look too bulky. However, weight training helps to shed those pounds without starving yourself. Plus, it can also strengthen your muscles and increase bone density. Target a muscle group once a week to avoid muscle fatigue.
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Walk It Off At Home
Walking is a great way to keep off the kilos. But how to do it when it is too cold to venture outside? The answer is simple: walk at home. Since not everyone can jump around or invest in workout machines and equipment, walking is an excellent alternative. Just clear some space and do a 30-minute walk at home every day for a slimmer you. You can even incorporate the stairs in this routine for added benefit.
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Tabata Workout
Tabata training is a form of interval training of 8 reps. There are 20 seconds per rep of high-intensity exercise with 10 seconds of rest. These high-intensity workouts are quick-fat busters. They are highly effective and challenging and not advised for the weak-hearted and lazy! And even if you are an expert, do not do this workout more than two times a week since there is a high risk of injury involved.
Conclusion
Working out at home can be the best thing for you as you can modify your workout according to your schedule. And it is an excellent remedy to beat those winter blues. Go through different routines to find which one works for you. After you find something you like, stick to it, and you will see a marked change in yourself in a few days. And of course, pay attention to assess your nutrition too.
Cover image – Pixabay
