Menu
With so many of us working from home, it can be challenging to maintain a regular training regime to meet our fitness goals. The recent disruptions have even led to some people giving up entirely and putting on weight instead. It doesn’t have to be like this; with a change in mindset, you can still have a fitness regime that integrates with your lifestyle. Exercising from home has many added benefits, too, including convenience and zero gym fees.
Calisthenics refers to a form of exercise that uses the body’s weight to train; this can include pushups, pullups, star jumps, squats, or any other way you can conceivably put your body to work without the need for expensive equipment. A calisthenic routine in the morning gently increases the heart rate and improves blood flow to the brain and body. In Japan, a morning calisthenics routine has been recommended and televised since 1928, perhaps one reason Japanese people have such a long life expectancy.
Functional Patterns Training (FPT) is a relatively new home workout routine that attempts to improve the range of motion and strength in the body by freeing up some of the workout habits we have gotten used to for years. Examples include the Transverse Twist – that uses a resistance band to target particular muscles in the body, and The Pendulum Squat – use a small weight and swing it between your legs as you squat. FPT can be done easily from your home and supports broader workout routines.
A cardio workout is excellent for losing weight, maintaining optimal brain function, and keeping cholesterol down. Cardio exercises can include: jumping jacks, lunge jumping, and skipping – as well as more traditional activities like running and rowing. Increasing your heart rate regularly improves the flow of oxygen to the brain and reminds the cells they need to be active. With a regular cardio activity – recommended in the morning – you will discover that you have more energy alone with a better general mood and attitude.
Pilates workouts were first developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, in the last couple of decades; however, it has grown significantly in popularity, as people recognize the great benefits it offers. A non-strenuous pilates routine can improve muscular endurance, flexibility, manage chronic back pain, and improve the quality of your sleep. An excellent advantage of pilates is that most of the routines can be done at home with simple online videos.
A close relative of pilates is the ancient art of yoga that has turned mainstream in recent decades. Yoga can improve strength, flexibility, and endurance, as well as mental and emotional wellbeing. There are many different types of yoga to choose from, each of which has it’s unique focus and attributes. The most commonly practiced form is Hatha yoga, which is perfect for beginners or anyone interested in maintaining a routine practice. There are many excellent videos online, so you can easily follow a course from your home’s comfort.
DISCLAIMER: This is a collaborative post.