LIFESTYLE NEWS - If you are looking to keep your workout regime going at home during isolation but don't quite know how, there's a bunch of ways to do so. While we can't list every possible way, here are a few tips on what you can do.
While some will have well-equipped home gyms to continue their workouts, most people simply have to do their best with what they have available, and that doesn't always mean full-on exercise equipment.
You don't need fancy equipment or a lot of time, you simply need to weave exercise into your schedule bit by bit.
While out-and-out daily exercise might seem a little bit daunting, there are six small things you can do every day to maintain your physical and mental health if you're isolating at home.
Start bringing movement into the small things
Next time you watch TV, get up and do some squats during the ad breaks, or you can do heel raises while you're washing dishes by repeatedly standing up on your toes. You can even do some side lunges while you're chucking clothes in the washing machine. Of course, as we all know, dancing is also a great way to move your body, so turn on some music and get groovy.
Improvise for equipment
There are ways to add resistance even when lacking proper gym equipment, with tools all over the house. You can toss cans of food in a bag. Come up with games you can play with children. Anything where you're crawling, jumping and skipping could work.
Get your heart rate up
If you have access to stairs in your home or flat, going up and down those stairs is a great way to get your blood pumping. If you're carrying washing upstairs, take an extra lap or two up and down the stairs to work in extra steps. You can also do some simple fitness exercises like marching in place, doing jumping jacks or jogging in place with high knees.
Get out and walk
Walking, not necessarily running, helps clear your mind, and it keeps you active. Everyone should aim for about 150 minutes of physical activity every week but the amount of time you walk every day can vary. What counts is that you're moving your body.
Do some stretches
Stretching is vital because it helps maintain body flexibility. You should be stretching at least two to three times a week, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Don't bounce, because that can cause injury. Expect to feel tension while you're stretching, but not pain.
Work on your breathing
Lie down on your back and put your hands on your abdominal region. When you breathe in, make your belly rise. And when you breathe out, your belly should fall. Stay in that position and take 10 deep breaths.
That's it folks, but if you're using any kind of equipment at home, clean it with soap and water or any household cleaner before and after so that if you're sharing it with others, you're not spreading germs around.
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