By: Jennifer Parris
Whether you were a gym junkie (or not) before COVID-19, you’re still going to need to find ways to stay in shape. And if you find that you’re spending more time indoors, there’s always that temptation to swing by the fridge more frequently. Since gyms are currently closed as a way to enforce social distancing, your workout routine is going to have to be adapted to what you can do at home. With a little creativity, you can create a plan that will make you feel healthier and happier. Try out these five household fitness hacks to stay in shape–and away from that cheesecake in the refrigerator.
Use Water Bottles
No weights? No problem! You can look for something else to substitute as weights for your workout. For example, gallons of water (or depending on your lifting abilities, smaller water bottles), can give you a great upper arm workout. And if you’re already washing your whites, start lifting those detergent bottles to get some exercise in.
Work The Wall
You might not think about it, but something as simple as a bare wall can be a great workout tool. You can use your wall to do anything from handstands to sits, squats, and even push-ups. If you’re looking to cool down after a workout, you can always put your legs up the wall for rest and relaxation.
Race The Stairs
Stairs offer an excellent cardio workout. If you have stairs in your home, you can time yourself and run up and down them. (If you need to go slower, you can–the important part is just getting your heart rate up.) When you’re done racing, you can always use the stairs for stretches and even incline push ups, too.
Use A Chair
Chairs aren’t just for sitting. You can use a chair as part of your workout in a variety of ways. For starters, you can do tricep dips and push ups using the seat of the chair. Depending on how sturdy the seat is, start your step ups by standing on the chair one leg at a time. Just make sure that you’re willing to get your seat a little dirty.
Chalk It Up
If you thought that chalk was just for your child to use, think again. By drawing anything from an obstacle course to an agility ladder, you can get a great cardio workout in. Plus, it’s an activity that you can do with your kids, too. You’ll be working your legs and your core, all the while getting some bonding time in with your babes.
Even if you’re stuck indoors, you can still get in a substantial workout. It doesn’t require you to spend any additional money and you can use everything you probably already have at home. And soon, exercising at home will become a part of your health and wellness routine.
For more fitness tips check out our blog on 5 Tips For Staying Healthy at Home!
