Five ways to get moving around the house
07/01/2021
We’re all trying to adapt to the ever-evolving coronavirus situation. It's fair to say it’s not easy. With gyms closed and only elite sport allowed to continue, people will be looking for ways to exercise at home. In these times, it is as important as ever to prioritise our mental health, as well as our physical health. A great way to boost both is through exercise. With that in mind, here's a few ways to get moving around the home from Barry, our Physical Activity Programme Manager.
Walk, talk and stay connected
Fresh air can be a great mood booster in these tough times! A simple, but very effective way to get outside is by taking a brisk walk whilst on the phone to your friends or family to maintain that feeling of connectivity.
Some other examples of this whilst working from home could be walking whilst in a virtual meeting, or taking the dog for a walk on your lunch break! You can even walk up and down the stairs of your own house or apartment building if you have them to add a bit of exercise to your day.
Get creative
It’s times like these that a little creativity can go a long way! This can be really fun. Think of items that you have around the house that could be used to help you to exercise. Day to day items that weigh a few hundred grams or kilos, but are also easy to hold on to, can be great weights to help you work those arm and leg muscles. You can also use furniture to assist your workout. Be safe and check out some online tutorials if you’re not sure.
If you’re feeling extra creative, use rolled-up socks to play ten-pin bowling with used tubes of toilet roll or play pretend golf around the home using those rolled socks and a broom!
Pick an activity that suits you
We are all looking for different levels of movement during these times. Some might want a heavy workout, some might just want to stretch out. It's important to find something that works, for you.
Take advantage of an ever increasing array of free workout videos on the web that can be tailored to your needs. Be it gentle seated exercise routines, yoga, circuit training, pilates or a more intense HIIT session (High intensity interval training). Youtube or your preferred search engines throw out a whole host of resources after a simple online search.
Mow the lawn
Make housework, or gardening, exercise time. Cleaning the house or sorting out the garden or window box is a great way to get moving around the home whilst also being a great way to let off steam. Being active outside - if you can - is a great way to break up your day and is beneficial for your wellbeing. Gardening or housework, as well as being therapeutic, raises the heart rate and releases natural endorphins in the brain which can boost mood.
Stay in, workout
You don't need a gym to do a workout! Find some space in your house and get a workout going. Sport England have a dedicated page which is being regularly updated with hints, tips and resources to help you be active whilst at home. Why not give some of them a try and let us know how you get on. Use the #Stayinworkout hashtag on social media to keep connected.
The We Are Undefeatable campaign is designed to support people managing a long term health condition, encouraging you to find what type of physical activity works for you. The above link takes you to their page encouraging us to get moving around the home, but there is much more information on their pages for you to explore.
If you need further guidance about the restrictions and what they mean for exercise in your area, take a look at the Sport England's FAQs on the Covid-19 restrictions.