Staying Active at Home
How to exercise at home with no equipment
As we all continue to spend more time at home, it’s tempting to fall into a lounge-around mindset. While relaxing is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle, prolonged periods of inactivity can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. Those with a more sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, depression, and other health complications.
Fortunately, you can reduce these risks by getting some regular exercise. Below are some creative ideas on how you can do this at home – no equipment required!
Follow a workout online
Thanks to the internet, we have access to plenty of online workouts. From free YouTube videos to one-on-one virtual training with a fitness instructor, there is an option out there that is right for you and your fitness goals. Think outside the box to make it more interesting! Have you ever tried kickboxing? What about a barre workout? Is there a muscle group that you want to strengthen like your back or your arms? Find something that you’d be excited to try and make it part of your weekly routine.
Try some stretching
Stretching is a great way to start or end your day – it’s also a great option if you just need a 15 minute break at lunch to recharge! Stretching can help increase your flexibility and range of motion, reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and even help improve your mental health. If you previously belonged to a yoga studio or fitness center, look into what online options they’re offering.
Get up and dance
Dancing is a great aerobic exercise that you can practice at home. Whether you want to break up your workday by taking a quick dance break every few hours or set aside a larger block of time to get moving, dancing offers a full-body workout that’s customizable and fun. You can also find some dance workout videos online if you’d like more guidance.
Take a jog around your neighborhood
Jogging is an excellent way to get your heart rate up that only requires a pair of sneakers. Being outside also means you can catch some sun for a much-needed vitamin D boost. Remember to follow proper social distancing protocol while you’re out to keep you and your community members safe. Be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from neighbors, and wear a cloth mask if you will be in close proximity to others.
We are open and ready to see you
If you’re having more aches and pains than normal or if you injure yourself during an exercise session, talk to your doctor. You can rest assured we are keeping our clinics and hospitals clean and safe. In addition to in-person visits, we’re also offering new ways for you to see us including telehealth video visits. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, call your clinic.