Recent scientific studies have shown that you don't need to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes in order to stay fit. Continuous movement for as little as 10 minutes can have a significant impact on your health.
Additionally, getting in as many steps as you can also have positive health benefits. If you're someone who doesn't like having to go out for your daily exercise, this is for you.
Here are some ideas for staying active in your very own home:
Walk up and down the stairs
Put on some music and start moving! There's no need to run: walking up and down the stairs at a fair pace is enough to get your heart pumping. Just make sure to be careful as you go down and check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
Do squats
Squats are one of the most effective strength training exercises. They require muscles in both your lower and upper body to work simultaneously and they have numerous benefits. Doing squats can strengthen your core, reduce the risk of injury, and burn calories. Most importantly, they can be done anywhere.
Pick up toys
Your kids haven't tidied up their room, or your partner has left their socks on the floor again. Now is the time to forget your frustration and get moving. Bending over to pick up toys can improve the flexibility in your back and legs, plus, you can even use it as an opportunity to add in some squats.
Buy equipment
Dumbbells, exercise balls, resistance bands, etc. don't take up much room and you can easily find five to ten minutes to use them. When your kids are doing their homework or when you're waiting for the soup to boil, you can squeeze in a few reps or bounces. The key is having the equipment in an easily accessible part of your home so that you're more likely to use it.
Try an exercise video
There's nothing better than an exercise video to get your body moving and to put you in a good mood. Exercise videos add a little spice to an otherwise boring home-exercise routine, and with so many available on YouTube, you can find a different video almost every day.
Take up gardening
If you have a garden but have been neglecting it or paying someone else to take care of it, now is the time to start gardening yourself. Gardening is considered a moderate exercise that works out your whole body. Not only does it burn calories, but it makes you spend time outdoors, which has been proven to elevate mood.
Maintaining your driveYou may have found that working out in your own home is much more effective than going out to the gym. However, as is the case with any exercise, your motivation may sometimes lag, or you may find yourself distracted by household chores like laundry and dirty dishes. How can you stay motivated?
Studies have shown that people who wear a pedometer are more likely to reach their daily step goal. And yes, you should wear it in the house! That way, when you're running up and down the stairs or cooking dinner, you can track your movement and know exactly where you stand (no pun intended). Checking in with a partner is also a good way to stay motivated. A nightly phone call to recap your movement and to share new ideas for increasing activity can be a great way to stay on top of your game.
Benefits of maintaining an active lifestyleMovement is first on the list of things that increase your quality of life. Living an active lifestyle will help you feel good, healthy, and content. Another benefit is that people who maintain a healthy lifestyle almost always get better rates on their life insurance.
Contact Sproutt and see how active your lifestyle is and how it reflects on your life insurance rates.
Sproutt insurance advisors are available to help you determine what kind of life insurance is best for you. Simply answer a few questions and we will find the best-value plan for your lifestyle, needs, and budget.