As the weather gets colder, so may your enthusiasm to go outside for a run or hit the gym. The couch beckons and the TV calls. It’s just so tempting to just chill and hibernate. But not working out could set you back and get you out of shape fast. You can shake off that cold weather laziness by adding a bit of fun to your exercises. Here are some tips on how you can banish the blues and start rockin’ your home workouts:
Warm up to your favorite music
Put on your favorite dance music and start moving. Dance around your living room like no one is watching. Go crazy and go wild. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the moves or not. What’s important is you start moving your body.
Walk around in circles
You can do cardiovascular exercises indoors by walking around your house. You can walk up and the down the steps, from room to room, and all around your property. Walk briskly. Listen to your favorite album and finish all the tracks. Time your walk to at least 20 minutes.
Be smart when it comes to dumbbells
If you don’t have dumbbells at home, you can use a full water bottle when you do dumbbell curls and presses. You can also use a bag of pet food, a can of soup, a bag of rice or a gallon of milk. Heck, you can even lift your cat if you have one. Do three sets of 10 for each arm.
Squat walk to great buns
Tone your thighs, hips and buttocks by taking your squats for a walk. Squat walk around your living room or from end to end of a hallway. Do as many as you can.
Hula your way to fitness
What could be more fun than a hula hoop? A weighted hula hoop is heavier than a regular hula hoop and has enough resistance to give you a good workout. Hula for at least 10 minutes.
Plank it
Planking looks effortless but wait until you feel the burn! A good alternative to crunches, planking will give you a sleek and toned midsection. Hold each plank for 30 seconds and repeat three times. If you’re stronger, hold it for one minute.
Hit the app
If you can’t hit the gym, then hit the app store and download a workout app. There are apps that provide step-by-step instructions—just like a trainer would. From aerobics and yoga to strength training, there’s an app out there that can train you.
Try a bootcamp
Create your own bootcamp by doing this set of exercises for 60 seconds each: jumping jacks, lunges, high knees, push-ups, triceps dips, and sit-ups. Rest in between sets and repeat the entire routine three times.
Don’t use the weather as an excuse to postpone working out. Pull yourself up from couch and get moving. Soon, you’ll find yourself enjoying even the silliest workouts at home.
