Like every season, the onset of the monsoons brings about its own set of changes. During the rainy days in Goa, it’s amazing to watch how everything comes alive, from the lush green fields and people in their vibrant rainwear to the occasional sighting of rainbows and more.
But the season’s weather with its heavy rains sometimes makes commuting a nightmare. One dreads the thought of driving along the road that leads to the gym. And with that excuse, the blankets feel cozier and lying on the bed or scrolling on the phone is all one can think about as the downpour continues.
Regular physical activity, however, isn’t just limited to the gym. Engaging in a fitness routine at home can do wonders for your health by managing weight, strengthening bones and muscles, improving your overall mood and reducing the likelihood of developing any diseases.
Here are a few things you can do to stay fit at home:
1. TRY SOME YOGA
Engaging in yoga is believed to bring about harmony between the mind and body. No matter your age or whether you’re overweight or fit, you can try out some yoga, which calms the mind and reduces anxiety.
So, roll out the yoga mat and get into some deep breathing and yoga poses. If you’re a beginner, you can look up for online instructors who provide one-on-one training. Regular yoga can help you manage stress, relax the body, improve sleep, and build strength, balance and flexibility.
2. TAILOR WORKOUTS TO YOUR NEEDS
Depending on your own requirements, customize your fitness routine. If building muscles or strength training is something you want to work on, do some push-up sets, try a handstand against a wall, do some dips with the help of a sturdy chair or table or some jumping jacks or lunges for the legs, etc.
To reduce belly fat, try 60-second planks, bicycle crunches, abdominal crunches and leg lifts. These exercises will not only better your posture and build core strength but also improve balance, coordination and overall metabolism.
3. SKIPPING ROPE AT YOUR RESCUE
Sometimes a huge investment in terms of purchasing expensive equipment to stay fit is not a requisite. A simple skipping rope can help you get a total body workout.
Although in the initial days, rope skipping can be difficult with one running out of breath or being unable to coordinate hands and feet. With regular practice, not only can one have controlled breathing patterns but one can also try skipping variations like side swing, criss-cross, double under and more. Skipping strengthens the body's core and helps in weight loss.
4. RUN UP THOSE STAIRS
Most aren’t equipped with a treadmill at home, and since moving outside to increase step count requires much effort on rainy days, one can alternatively take the support of their home staircase.
Running or climbing stairs is considered a high-intensity workout that not only helps in overall cardiovascular fitness but also increases stamina. Climbing up and down the stairs strengthens the feet, tones the muscles and burns calories. Additionally, it increases speed or foot movement making one more agile.
5. GROOVE TO SOME ZUMBA
One of the easiest ways to maintain an exercise routine is by making it fun. And something that can tone your body and help you relieve stress is a fun Zumba session workout.
So, put on those dancing shoes, tune to some reggaetón, pop and Latin genres of music and bring out those dance moves. A high-energy Zumba workout will boost your heart health, burn those calories and most importantly make you happy.
Make sure you start slow with prior warm-ups and stretches. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t see any results in the initial days. Whatever your reason to engage in some exercise – fitting into that one shirt or dress, adopting a healthier lifestyle or attempting to keep ailments at bay – don’t let the monsoon season dampen your enthusiasm.