New Fitness Activities Aside From Running You Can Try at Home

As an adult, you must set aside some time to exercise. 

Physical activity is especially important if your job requires you to sit for a long time. Adults are advised to get 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. You can start with 30 minutes every day and increase gradually. Working out at home is cheap and convenient. You can exercise whenever you like and you do not need to spend money on a gym membership. Finding the physical activities that you enjoy can keep you motivated. Below is a list of fun activities that you can try at home.

1 Dancing

Dancing is a great way to have fun and keep your heart rate up. There are lots of dancing styles and you can pick one that works for you. They include ballet, salsa, and tap dancing. You do not need to take dance classes to use it as a form of exercise.

The number of calories you burn when dancing depends on the intensity of your session. An energetic Zumba dance, for example, will burn more calories than a slow dance. If you weigh 125 pounds, you can burn 180 calories in 30 minutes of ballet or fast dancing, 90 calories in slow dancing, and 165 calories in ballroom or disco.

Dancing is empowering and it is great for more than just losing weight. It can improve your confidence and help you explore your personality.

2 Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is one of the simplest ways to stay active. All you need is a jump rope and some space. Jumping rope is an amazing aerobic exercise as it gets your heart rate up in a few minutes. While it is okay to stick to the basic routine, you can learn a few tricks to make your sessions even more interesting.

It is a full-body exercise that builds your stamina, tightens your core, tones your calves, and improves your lung capacity. An –average-sized person burns over 10 calories every minute when jumping rope.

If you choose to use a jump rope for physical activity, consider investing in a speciality jump rope. You can find a good one at your local sporting goods store. The following tips may help if you haven’t jumped rope in a long time:

• When starting, stand straight with the rope behind your feet and feet shoulder-width apart
• Swing the rope forward with both hands in one movement
• Move your wrists upwards to ensure that the rope comes down between your knees and ankles
• Practice a few times

3 Yoga

Consider practising yoga at home for your physical and mental well-being. Follow these tips and get started;

• Find a Comfortable Spot

The first step of practising yoga at home is finding a quiet and comfortable place in your home. If you have an extra room, use it as your yoga spot. If you don’t, create space in your bedroom or other peaceful spots. Empty wall spaces are great as well since you can use your wall as a prop. Use candles, subtle lighting, and incense sticks to set the mood.

• Get the Accessories 

A yoga mat is all you really need to start practising. Even though there are lots of options in the market, they aren’t always appropriate. 

According to the expert at 889yoga.com/gear/best-cork-yoga-mats/ non-slip, high-quality yoga mats are your best option. Blocks are a good addition to your yoga space. However, you can replace them with books and other items around your house.

• Avoid Injuries

When practising, be mindful of the vulnerable parts of your body including your neck, spine, knees, and hips. Stop or adjust your pose if you feel any painful sensations. Be careful when transitioning from one pose to another and warm up before practising advanced poses.

• Pick a Routine/Style

Pick a style or routine depending on what you need. Vinyasa Flow, for example, is appropriate for people who want something active. If you want something softer and more relaxing, it may not be appropriate for you. If you choose to take online classes, do not read too many classes at once as it is easy to get confused. There is no single class that can address all your needs. Put a series of classes together to achieve your goal. Pick your preferred class duration and teacher and stick to it.

4 Pilates

The popularity of Pilates has been increasing significantly over the last few decades. The exercise can improve your body strength, balance, and posture. Research suggests that a non-strenuous Pilates routine can improve your muscular flexibility and endurance. It may also be great for improving your sleep quality and managing chronic low back pain. If you are unsure of how to do Pilates, consider getting instructional videos online.

5 Home Cardio

Cardio is good for improving your heart rate. Examples of home cardio exercises include skipping, lunge jumps, and jumping jacks. They keep your cholesterol levels in check, improve your mental well-being, and may help you lose weight. Ten minutes of cardio exercise every day may be enough to keep you fit. If you are unsure of where to start, there are plenty of online videos that may help you. Your choice depends on the level of fitness you wish to attain.

6 Regular Housework

If you do not enjoy a structured exercise routine, consider using your regular housework to stay active. Kitchen gardening and tidying your home are a few simple tips to remain active without having to set aside time for exercise. One study suggests that doing ten minutes of leisurely activities like gardening every week may reduce your risk of premature death. 

If you do not have the time to work out at home, your regular housework may be enough.

In conclusion, running is not your only option if you want to stay fit without having to get a gym membership. Your best options include cardio exercises, yoga, dancing, and Pilates. They are not only good for your body but also your mental well-being. Regular exercise may improve your posture, general health, and the quality of your sleep.