Let's face it - it's easier to lose weight and stay in shape during the summer because we are outside and there are more ways to stay active. However, with a little creativity you can exercise indoors, stay in shape and keep the pounds away during the winter too. Here's what I do to stay active:
1. Swim - We have a membership to our local YMCA and there are various times every day to swim either alone or as a family. Swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body and it is low impact so I try to take advantage of the opportunity as much as I can.
2. Yoga - One of my favorite activities. You do not have to be an expert. Simply get a beginners yoga dvd and practice. The beautiful thing about yoga is that you use your body's natural resistance and weight and you can go at your own pace.
3. Dance - Put on the radio, Ipod - music of any type and dance! Do your own thing but move and burn off the calories.
4. Climb Stairs - Do not take the elevator - climb the stairs - both ways.
5. Go For a Walk Around Your Local Mall - I've never been a part of them but I have seen many groups that meet in our local mall and walk.
6. Jump Rope - Simple enough and can be done anywhere in the house.
7. Jog - Either in place in your office or around the house. I like to play chase with my daughter and the dog either together or separately. You will be surprised that you will work up a sweat.
8. Calestenics - Stretch. Jumping Jacks. Push ups. Ab Crunches. Chair dips, Calf stretches off stairs.
9. Free Weights - Even you do not have a set of weights, ordinary household products such as bags of sugar, flour or books will suffice.
10. Housework - Vacuuming, cleaning, scrubbing the floors, laundry - it all adds up and when one has a two story house as I do, there is an added benefit to climbing the stairs.
It can be done! You can find a way to stay during the winter and believe it or not, the above ways do add up. Find an on line website to track your activity to see how many calories your are burning and what muscle groups are being used. Carry it over to your summer activities as well - every little bit helps!
1. Swim - We have a membership to our local YMCA and there are various times every day to swim either alone or as a family. Swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body and it is low impact so I try to take advantage of the opportunity as much as I can.
2. Yoga - One of my favorite activities. You do not have to be an expert. Simply get a beginners yoga dvd and practice. The beautiful thing about yoga is that you use your body's natural resistance and weight and you can go at your own pace.
3. Dance - Put on the radio, Ipod - music of any type and dance! Do your own thing but move and burn off the calories.
4. Climb Stairs - Do not take the elevator - climb the stairs - both ways.
5. Go For a Walk Around Your Local Mall - I've never been a part of them but I have seen many groups that meet in our local mall and walk.
6. Jump Rope - Simple enough and can be done anywhere in the house.
7. Jog - Either in place in your office or around the house. I like to play chase with my daughter and the dog either together or separately. You will be surprised that you will work up a sweat.
8. Calestenics - Stretch. Jumping Jacks. Push ups. Ab Crunches. Chair dips, Calf stretches off stairs.
9. Free Weights - Even you do not have a set of weights, ordinary household products such as bags of sugar, flour or books will suffice.
10. Housework - Vacuuming, cleaning, scrubbing the floors, laundry - it all adds up and when one has a two story house as I do, there is an added benefit to climbing the stairs.
It can be done! You can find a way to stay during the winter and believe it or not, the above ways do add up. Find an on line website to track your activity to see how many calories your are burning and what muscle groups are being used. Carry it over to your summer activities as well - every little bit helps!
Comments
I love this piece because everything you list is realistic. Thanks for sharing. :)
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