Staying Cool and Fit at Home Indoors
By Stephen R. Farris
As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise to the point where it's just too hot to be outside, then you're in luck when it comes to working out and staying cool.
While exercising outdoors has its advantages, you might not want to risk being out in the heat so bring your workout indoors temporarily, or at least until the temps are more tolerable.
Here's a few exercises that can be done indoors without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. Plus, the good news is that most of these work more than one muscle group!
One more thing, you don't need fancy equipment to perform them and you can go at your own pace.
Push-Ups
Tried and true, push-ups have been a mainstay for decades -- centuries, even. Most every military organization still uses this arm and chest building exercise. Push-ups are great for the shoulders and your core. It's one exercise that works several major muscle groups.
Chair Squats
It may sound simple but it's harder than you think. All you need is a chair and a pair of fairly good knees. Just sit down in a chair (make sure to practice good posture), place your hands on your thighs, then push your feet to the floor and slowly rise from your sitting position and stand. Repeat the exercise for 8-10 reps. You can also place your hands to the side or stick your arms straight out if you want some variation to the technique.
Stepping Up and Stepping Down
Easy enough, but stepping up and stepping down several times in a row can give you a workout you'll feel in your legs, knees, and lower-back area. All you need is a sturdy step stool, or you can even use the steps in your house. The technique is simple enough, just take a step up, then go back down. Do this for several reps or longer. You can even set a goal of doing as many as you can in a minute ... or two minutes if you're feeling eager.
The next time you start feeling the heat drain your outdoor workout, take it indoors and do some simple but effective exercises guaranteed to keep you in shape. If you have questions about fitness, ask your local chiropractor to find out advice and suggestions they can offer to help get you on track to better overall health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Auburn, Calif.