Your most useful piece of fitness equipment is always close by. Yes, we’re talking about your body. Body-weight exercises, also known as calisthenics, are beneficial to people of all ability levels.
Once you start working out from home, you may never want to return to the gym again. Think about it: there’s no need to get in a cold car, change into gym clothes, wait for machines, or breathe in all those curious aromas.
This Monday, we’re breaking down all the benefits of a home workout, so that you can jump-start your physical activity regimen and meet your fitness goals without having to step foot in a gym.
Looking for some motivation to get off of the couch and start running? Decatur Active Living is offering a free Couch to 5K program beginning on January 18th. We will start off slow, and build endurance over 8 weeks. And of course, we will have fun!
The group will meet on Mondays at 6 pm and Fridays at 8 am in front of the Decatur Recreation Center. Group members will also do a third run on their own during the week. Safety measures for COVID will be in place.
For more information contact Sara.Holmes@decaturga.com.
If you’re just starting with a new strength-training regimen or trying to maintain a healthy weight, the last thing you want to think about is spending money on heavy weights and elaborate machinery. Exercise equipment can be expensive, cumbersome, and bulky, which is why it often ends up covered in cobwebs rather than sweat. But you don’t need a treadmill, weights, or a squat rack to build muscle at home; with a little creativity, you can fashion a number of household items into fitness gear.
Even as COVID-19 requires us to take extra precautions when socializing with family, friends, and colleagues, you still have plenty of options when it comes to securing a walking partner. Walking is a key component of physical activity for all ages and abilities; and as many of us are spending more time indoors, a daily walk can be the perfect opportunity to get up from your chair and take in some fresh air.
You don’t have to do your 30 minutes of daily physical activity all in one shot. Find creative ways to incorporate more walking into your normal routine.
Daily physical activity is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s recommended that able-bodied adults get in at least 30 minutes of exercise—whether it be walking, jogging, running, weight training, or dance—five days a week.
But what if you don’t have a 30-minute block of time to spare? Well, you don’t have to do all your physical activity in one shot. Many times, it’s actually easier and more convenient to work in those low-intensity movements throughout the day. All it takes is a little creativity.
One of the best ways to boost your step count is to incorporate as much walking into your daily routine as possible. For example, when you’re out and about running errands, try parking farther away from the grocery store, veterinarian, shopping center, etc.; you’d be surprised how many steps you can accrue making this one tiny adjustment. A socially distanced walk with friends or family is another way to get moving. Use your next coffee date as another opportunity to get in extra steps.
Even shopping can be a source of physical activity. Save your online ordering for another week, and try going to the mall, where you can briskly move from store to store. And let’s say the weather is dark or damp or just dreary, well, there’s an easy solution — get your walk in at home. The next time you’re tidying up, preparing a meal, or streaming Netflix, consider taking an additional lap or two around the house. If you’re able to use your stairs without discomfort, go up and down a couple extra times.
This Monday, use your imagination and think about how you can effortlessly add more steps to your daily routine.
Take a few minutes to watch this bicycle helmet safety video with your children. The video was created as a collaborative effort of the Johns Hopkins Children’s Injury Prevention Network and features Baltimore children.
Adaptable to all fitness levels, anyone can do yoga. In a typical workday, it’s normal for tension to build up in your shoulders, neck, and back. Doing a few simple yoga moves can help relieve built-up tension. Chair yoga can reduce the strain and stress on your joints, can be done in the office or at home, and is highly adjustable for all the poses.