We all remember what it was like to be stuck inside on a rainy day when we were kids. And when we become adults, cold and rainy weather is just as limiting. So many activities are held outdoors — walking, hiking, fishing, boating, basketball, outdoor sports, etc.–that we might feel like there’s nothing to do inside except turn on the TV. But with the right skills and a little equipment, there are actually quite a few ways you can stay active indoors. You won’t miss out on your daily exercise — in fact, you might even enjoy the opportunity to try something new. Here’s five things you can do indoors to stay active:
1. Try Yoga
Yoga has enjoyed a growth in popularity in recent years, with classes and workshops across the country that teach people how to find peace and balance. But even if you’re not interested in the spiritual aspect, yoga is still a great way to keep your body active indoors. All you need is a safe space to practice, a good yoga mat and access to instructions. You might want to consult a teacher for more complicated moves, but anyone can practice the basic poses. It’s a slow, relaxing way to keep your body moving.
2. Use Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment is a great way to stay active indoors. But you don’t need to clear out a room for an entire home gym — a single piece of equipment like a treadmill can help you get the exercise you need. Exercise equipment is affordable, versatile, and fits in nearly every room of your home. And best of all, it allows you to get a workout even in the coldest, nastiest weather.
3. Play Tabletop Games
Tabletop games like air hockey and ping pong are another great way to get your body moving. Some versions of these games allow you to play by yourself, while others require a teammate. Just set up a table in your garage or basement and you’re ready to go. You’ll keep the whole family entertained with an exciting game of ping pong that gets your blood flowing at the same time. It might even inspire other people to increase their exercise habits.
4. Do Housework
It might seem like more of a chore than exercise, but housework actually provides a good workout. Most housework involves walking around the house, lifting heavy objects, and staying on your feet for long periods of time. It might not be the most exciting option, but it’ll help you get your daily exercise while accomplishing household chores at the same time. You might even get so engrossed in your housework that when you stop, you’ll realize that it stopped raining half an hour ago!
5. Use a Workout Video
In today’s modern age, you don’t need a dusty stack of exercise tapes to get a workout. You can go online and find a wealth of resources tailored to every body type, skill level, and activity level. You can even find new exercise moves to spice up your routine. With so many options available, there’s no reason you can’t fit a short workout into your schedule. It might even become a regular part of your routine–rain or shine.
This is a guest post by Johny of Game Table Hero, a site focused on a love of playing game tables. Check it out for reviews, game rules, playing tips, and new games you may not have played or even heard of before.