Keep Your Exercise Options Open
By Sandy Schroeder
In the midst of the pandemic with all of its demands and frustrations, you need to pick the healthiest options that fit you and your lifestyle. Getting outside may work, or you may choose to stay in. You may also do high energy workouts to stay strong and low-key ones to mellow out at the end of the day.
With the added stress of today's world, you will sleep better if you get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. If you add the exposure to the outdoors, you will boost your spirits with a dose of sunlight.
If you have been adding a few extra pounds with extended sitting time, daily routines will help you maintain a healthy weight.
Wherever you exercise, you will want to include a daily cardio workout to get your heart rate up, increase brain health, spark your mood, and strengthen your lungs. Depending on you, your family and your home, some of these ideas may be the best choice. As always, check with your doctor before starting new exercise routines.
Getting Outside at Home
Here are some ways to do a high energy work outdoors.
- Do jumping jacks on your patio
- Shoot hoops or run a family soccer practice in the backyard
- Play tag with your kids in the backyard
Staying Inside at Home
See what works at your house.
- Turn on the tunes and dance
- Use a treadmill or stationary cycle
- Run in place in your family room
- Use small weights and a yoga mat to stretch and strengthen
- Choose a low-impact cardio mat workout
WellAndGood.com recommends low-impact cardio workouts that are totally quiet and take up the space of a yoga mat. Look for videos that include knee drives and floor-drop push-ups. Start with a warm-up that opens up the hips and thighs and goes for 25 minutes with a full body mat workout that rivals a jog for working up a sweat. Since it is totally quiet you can get that cardio workout whenever you want, early or late.
As you exercise, you may want to track the numbers with a daily chart for you and the other members of your household. Record daily exercise routines, weight, and types of exercise. At the end of the week, celebrate weight losses, and daily routines accomplished. That calls for rewards such as new shoes, hats or scarves, whatever works at your house.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesa, Ariz.