Staying physically active is essential to leading a healthy life. When the body is active, the mind functions better as well. Physical and mental health go hand in hand. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one should get a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This number might seem daunting, but if you break it down through the week over five days, it's just half an hour each day.
Fitness is one of the most crucial benefits of staying active, but there are other benefits as well:
• Improving brain health
• Maintaining or losing extra weight
• Strengthening muscles
• Boosting the immune system
So how can one stay active at home?
1. Walk it out - This easy and quick activity doesn’t require much preparation. Walking is ideal for any age group, whether it is indoors or outdoors.. You can also track your total steps, heart rate, calories burnt and other metrics.
2. Clean up - Regular clean ups and daily chores can actually burn calories and also move and stretch several muscles in your body. You’re also killing two birds with one stone – a clean home, and a great workout.
3. Indulge in cooking - If you order food online, stop. Try cooking yourself. Right from gathering the right ingredients, moving and stretching as you navigate the kitchen, cooking is a great workout. On the plus side, you also have a healthy homecooked meal.
4. Dance - You don’t have to be a good dancer to dance. It isn’t just a great cardio workout, it’s also a stress buster. Crank up the volume of the sound system with your favourite song and shake a leg. Dancing gives you an endorphin boost, making you feel happier and healthier.
5. Try resistance exercises - Try different workouts with a resistance band, which helps your muscles move, stretch, flex and relax. If you continue this over a period of time, you’ll also start toning up.
6. Engage in fun cardio - There are several at-home aerobic workouts that you can try out. Turn on the TV and try out some aerobics to help you recharge, refresh, burn calories and make yourself happier.
7. Do Pilates at home- You don’t need a studio for pilates, which is a great a bodyweight exercise that can be done at home. You don’t even need fancy gym equipment. This workout is beneficial to your posture and helps build flexibility, strength, and balance.
8. Make gardening a habit - Right from bending and stooping to digging, you are sure to sweat it out as you make your garden grow.
9. Find your balance with yoga - Home is one of the best places to practice Yoga. All you need is a yoga mat and a peaceful environment to practice different asanas, breathing exercises and stretches.
10. Move with an audiobook or podcast - If you love listening to podcasts or music, wear your most comfortable sneakers and take a stroll, preferably outdoors in the garden, through quiet streets, parks or playgrounds. You can also try gentle yoga stretches in between.