Staying active is essential for physical and mental health. But, with many gyms and studios closed due to the pandemic, staying in shape can be challenging. Fortunately, you can do plenty of unique physical activities without leaving your house! Here are five creative ways to exercise at home to keep moving and stay healthy during quarantine.
1. Gardening
Gardening is a great way to stay active at home. Not only does it provide physical exercise, but it can also be very calming and meditative. Gardening involves lifting, carrying, bending, and stretching — all activities that help tone your muscles and keep you moving. Planting seeds or caring for an existing garden requires stamina and endurance, so you’ll work your cardiovascular system. Also, caring for a garden allows you to get some fresh air and sunshine, which can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
2. Cleaning
Cleaning may not be a typical physical activity, but it can provide an excellent workout. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and scrubbing all require movement and strength. Doing these activities regularly can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance. This is because you need to use your whole body to properly clean and maintain a home. In addition, cleaning is a great way to reduce stress and help clear your mind. This is because it can provide a sense of accomplishment and give you a feeling of control over your home.
If you are interested in cleaning as a form of exercise, try adding some resistance bands or dumbbells into the mix. You can also try using tools like dusters that require more strength than just using your hands alone. You can also try using household items in ways that force you to use more strength than just the item’s weight. For example, washing dishes with a sponge instead of using dish soap directly on your hands will require more effort.
3. Walking Your Dog
Walking your dog is a great way to stay active at home. Taking your pup for a walk allows you to get some fresh air and take in the sights of your neighborhood. Not only does walking provide physical exercise for you, but it’s also beneficial for your pooch!
Walking allows your pup to explore the world around them and provides mental stimulation. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get in some physical activity while spending quality time with your furry friend. Additionally, if you have a larger breed of dog, the additional weight will give your muscles an extra workout!
4. Dancing
Dancing is one of the most fun and enjoyable ways to stay active at home! Not only is it a great form of physical exercise, but it also allows you to express yourself creatively. Dancing requires coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility — all aspects of physical fitness that can be improved with practice. Dancing also improves cardiovascular fitness, helps to strengthen your muscles, and promotes weight loss. Plus, it’s a great way to get some stress relief!
Whether you take an online dance class or have a dance party with friends and family, dancing is an energetic way to get your body moving. There are other ways to get started dancing, such as following YouTube tutorials or watching dance movies. You could even create your own choreographed routine!
5. Bowling
Bowling is a great way to stay active at home while having fun. Not only does it provide physical exercise, but it also helps improve hand-eye coordination and concentration skills. Bowling requires strength and precision to get the perfect throw that knocks down all the pins! Additionally, you can adjust the bowling ball’s weight to make it easier or more challenging as needed. Bowling can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels, so it’s a great activity to do with friends and family. You can either choose to DIY your own bowling alley and get a professional to install one for you.
Creating a DIY bowling alley is an excellent way to save money while staying active at home. It requires minimal materials and can be customized to fit any size room or space. All you need is a few flat pieces of wood, some heavy objects (such as books or weights) to use as pins, a marker for the foul line, and a bowling ball. DIY bowling alleys are great for smaller spaces and solo bowlers, but they can be difficult for those who don’t have much experience with construction and design.
Alternatively, you can opt to get a professional to install a duckpin bowling alley. This is ideal for larger spaces and groups of bowlers as it offers a more realistic experience. Home bowling alleys are typically larger and come with all the necessary equipment, such as a regulation-sized lane, pins, ball rack, and scorecard. Additionally, some professionals can even customize the lanes to fit your preferences. Installing a professional home bowling alley is more expensive than DIY options but it’s well worth the investment if you’re looking for a realistic bowling experience.
In Closing
These are just a few ideas for ways that you can stay active at home. Whatever physical activity you choose, make sure that it’s something you enjoy so that you’ll be more likely to stick with it!