There is no way to disagree that the current pandemic has forced all of us to stay at home. With outdoor movements restricted and gym and health centres closed, we have become inactive indeed. However, leading a sedentary life just because you cannot hit the gym can cause health issues like obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and even depression.
So, what to do?
Well, there are a number of DIY exercises you can try at home to strengthen your immune system, improve blood circulation, and boost your mental health. Give the following a shot:
- Warm up/cool down – This involves simple marching, jogging, on-the-spot jogging, stair climbs etc. Perform these exercises either at the beginning of the session to get the heart rate up and get the blood flowing, or towards the end, to cool down and slowly allow the body to return to its normal temperature and heart rate.
- Squats – Squats offer multitude of benefits when done regularly. Apart from improving the balance in legs and the lower body, it aids digestion, improves circulation, boosts muscle strength and enhances hormone release. It’s simple to perform too. Stand with your face forward and legs apart, and then sit as if you are sitting on a chair. Remember that your thighs should be parallel to the floor. Repeat.
- Push-ups – Kneel on the floor with your feet together and hands spread out. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that your chest touches the ground. Repeat this step a few times. This will help improve your upper body strength and power up the chest muscles, triceps and shoulders.
- Yoga – Yoga offers a world of health benefits, both mentally and physically. It can help reduce stress, aid digestion and weight loss, and improve circulation and hormone secretion, to mention a few. Here are some basic yoga poses to help you get on track. Set aside 10-15 minutes of your day for yoga and you will soon see the difference.
- Aerobics – Aerobics basically refers to any activity that you do to get your blood pumping and large muscles working. Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, jogging, skipping etc. It is especially recommended for people with heart diseases. Aerobics helps manage a number of health issues, apart from improving cardiovascular health, since it lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar and improves sleep.
- Cardio – Quite similar to aerobics, cardio exercises include running up the stairs, spot-jogging, kickboxing etc. Cardio exercises protect you against heart ailments, high blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol, lung problems etc.
- Move and stretch your body – The pandemic has forced most professionals to work from home, and in such a situation, sitting for prolonged hours can cause aches and stiff joints. Doing simple stretching exercise every few hours or taking a stroll around the house can go a long way in releasing stress and pent-up energy. It can refresh your mood and lead to better concentration as well.
Conclusion
So, you see, it’s simple to stay fit even without stepping outside! No trips to the gym or any expensive exercise equipment is required. The simple exercises mentioned here can be done at home by literally anyone. Regular exercising will not just boost your immune system, but it will also help you to keep diseases like heart problems, diabetes etc. at bay. Try these simple workout ideas and stay healthy while you stay at home.
