Ever since the very first workout videos landed on the market, working out at home has been a hit. During the era of social distancing, getting active at home has become more necessary than ever.
Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, many people have seen a big decrease in their daily activity. According to the World Health Organization, some parts of the world have seen nearly a 50% decrease!
It goes without saying that regular exercise and daily activity are the staples of good health. Living a sedentary lifestyle can put you at risk of harmful diseases down the line like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
But beyond your physical health, regular exercise is great for your mental health, too. It boosts your confidence and gives you a boost of the “happy chemicals”: dopamine and serotonin. Neglecting regular exercise can increase your risk of mental health issues like Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and depression — and let’s face it, that’s the last thing you need right now.
One more incredibly important benefit of staying active is improving your immune system. Regular activity can help strengthen the antibodies that prevent viruses and infections and lower your risk of catching an illness.
Chances are, you already know the many of the perks of staying active. But working from home, homeschooling your kids, and figuring out how to exercise at home while staying safe and socially-distanced can be extra tough.
We’ve rounded up 4 of the most creative and convenient ways to stay active throughout the work day. Even if you’re good at squeezing in workouts throughout the week, you can try a few of these to stay more active throughout the day.
1. Dance It Out
If you’re bored with your typical morning walk or online yoga routine, you can mix things up by enjoying a fun dance party at home.
Dancing is a whole-body activity that supports your intellectual, emotional, and motor functions. It requires creativity, coordination (well, as much as you can muster), and quick movements to get your heart pumping.
Using the parts of your brain needed to accomplish these things helps stimulate the nerve growth in those areas of your brain, helping you become smarter, stronger and happier.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate dance in your routine. Looking to socialize while you dance? Throw a virtual dance party! Running out of date night ideas? Try an at-home dance lesson together!
Whether its dancing to your favorite album while you make dinner, a Zoom party or family fun time, dancing is a fun and effective way of ensuring a more active lifestyle.
2. Stay Active While You Watch
Working out to TV or music isn’t new: anytime you go to a gym, it’s easy to spot someone with headphones in or watching one of the screens.
Finding creative ways to incorporate media with an activity helps keep your brain occupied, which helps you stay committed to your workout.
Next time you want to listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook, throw on your shoes and go on a walk while you listen. Or if movies are your go-to entertainment, prepare some living-room friendly activities to do on your next Netflix binge. Some of our favorites are:
Chair Dips
Sit on the edge of a chair or couch, facing your TV, with your palms flat on the edge of the chair or couch cushion, fingers facing forward. Keep your arms squeezed into your sides.
Slowly slide your butt off the chair and downward until your arms are at a 90-degree angle (being careful not to pull the chair over). Push your body back up into starting position using your arms. Repeat 10 times.
Swan Dive
This is a satisfying yoga move that helps strengthen your back and improve your posture. Lay on your yoga mat face down, with your arms straight above your head or out at a “T” shape, toes pointed.
Lift your extended arms and legs about 6 inches off the mat. Hold for 3 counts, then circle your arms forward for 12 counts. Make sure your palms are facing the ground. Hold for another 3 counts, then circle your arms backward for 12 counts. Return to the starting position, rest, and repeat.
Lunges
Lunges are a classic workout move that make it easy to focus on your favorite movie or show while working on your lower-body fitness.
Step one foot forward and sink down until your knee and ankle are at a 90-degree ankle. Your back knee should almost touch the ground, and your front knee shouldn’t go beyond your toes. Lift your front lunging leg to return to the starting position, then switch legs.
Once you’ve got the basic lunge down, check out these other lunge variations, including a lunge with a torso twist, side lunges, and more. This will help you pay attention to more muscles in your legs and core than it would doing regular lunges only.
3. Take a Hot Bath
You read that right! If you’re feeling under the weather or simply exhausted, a hot bath may be the best move for keeping your body active and mind relaxed.
A recent study determined that one hour spent in a hot bath can increase your heart rate enough to burn about as many calories as taking a 30 minute walk. It also showed a significant improvement in blood sugar levels, and even anti-inflammatory perks.
To upgrade your bath time “workout,” try one of these tricks:
Use Epsom Salts
Epsom salts help increase the anti-inflammatory effects of a hot bath by detoxing your body. The chemical properties of Epsom salts also trigger a serotonin release to help boost your mood, too!
Bathe in Sake
Sake improves circulation, which helps heat up the body even more and encourages it to sweat out other harmful toxins. Try a Fresh Sake Bath Oil to help turn up the heat.
Replace bubble bath with Apple Cider Vinegar
Adding 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath helps drain your body of uric acid. Uric acid is a waste that your body typically releases through urine.
Too much uric acid can cause issues, like gout and kidney stones. Getting rid or uric acid can help keep your joints healthy and ready for your next workout!
4. Find Support
While regular exercise and staying active can help with your immune system, feeling under the weather is inevitable.
As flu season approaches, and with the ongoing pandemic, it’s important to have access to affordable doctor visits when you need them.
With our myCallADoc services, you can get the support you need to help ensure you stay healthy.
myCallADoc is one of the largest telehealth programs in the nation. It gives you 24/7 access to board certified doctors, preventative care, and prescriptions delivered straight to your pharmacy.
And for a low monthly subscription, you can cancel whenever you want – no strings attached. Learn more about the benefits and sign up today! >
This article is not intended as medical advice. Always check with your doctor before embarking on a new health and wellness plan.
