Have you binged on too much Halloween candy? Kick that leftover candy corn to the curb–now is the time to start or re-start a healthy fitness regimen. To help you stay on track, check out these fun ideas that can keep you in shape leading up to the holiday season. And don’t worry, these are all exercises that can be done inside your home, so the cold weather won’t prevent you from reaching your goals!
Get your walk on. Temperatures may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean you have to be chilly while walking outside. Instead, find an indoor place to walk, like your local mall. Pretend the mall is an indoor track. Take a few brisk walks around the mall a few times for a good cardiovascular workout.
Cut a rug. Turn up the speakers or plug in your earphones and just dance! This is a fun way to work up a sweat and burn calories, plus improve flexibility and circulation.
No gym? No problem! Jumping jacks, jumping rope, stomach crunches, lunges, yoga and just plain stretching can be done in the comfort of your own living room. Take some time out of the day to fit these exercises into your daily routine. Try setting your alarm a little earlier in the morning and jump rope or do some crunches before your shower. It won’t take long, plus it will give you an energy boost to start your day. If exercising in the morning doesn’t work out for you, try working out when you come home from work.
Give yourself a little lift. Do you need to clean your kitchen or reorganize your kitchen cabinets? Lifting cans of food and gallons of water is actually a workout! It’s a good way to fit some strength training in your everyday routine. Not so fond of lifting? Try mopping the floor—another way to fit in some good, clean, fitness fun.
And speaking of cleaning… Going up and down the steps with baskets of laundry is a great workout. There are other countless cleaning-related activities that can help you stay fit, including sweeping the floors, changing the bed sheets/making beds, washing dishes, moving furniture, etc.
I like to move it, move it… When you come home from work, find ways to keep yourself moving. Take a few extra walks, even if that means just pacing back and forth from the kitchen to the living room. If there are steps in your home, walk up and down the steps several times until you work up a good sweat.
These fun, easy fitness-related activities are a good start to help you stay fit. If you have access to an advocacy service like Health Advocate, contact your Wellness Coach, who can talk with you about ways to reach your fitness goals and/or ways for you to healthify your meals and snacks. Otherwise, consider discussing your healthy goals with your family doctor or nutritionist. And remember, always check with your doctor before beginning a new fitness plan!
