When temperatures are falling and you’re spending most of your time inside, there are still ways to get some exercise without leaving your home or apartment.
In as little as 10 minutes you can achieve some benefits, such as improving your heart and bone health. Even while watching television.
For example, there are creative ways to move and stay active while watching your favorite shows or teams. And you will be less likely to grab snacks in the kitchen during commercial breaks.
Chelsea Sands, MS, a clinical exercise physiologist at Mount Sinai Health System, offers these suggestions for the next time you are sitting on your couch.
- During commercial breaks, try to complete ten “sit to stands” or walk around your couch. Walk in the opposite direction during the next commercial break.
- If you are a football fan you can make the game more interesting by completing ten front kicks or high knee marches when a touchdown is scored. Or come up with your own routines for your favorite sporting events.
- You can increase your heart rate during commercial breaks by completing air punches: alternating left and right arm for one commercial, rest, then go back to punches during the next commercial.
It’s still a good idea to get outside if you can. Taking a 30-minute walk before you relax on the couch can help you avoid unhealthy snacking and weight gain. Just taking a walk can be a great place to start if you are having a hard time fitting a workout into your busy schedule.