COVID-19 has thrown us for a loop. At the start of the pandemic, people panicked when they started to cough. But those anxieties were well-founded since the death toll (at that time) was quite high.
The pandemic also made us realize how valuable our health is. We are not just talking about our physical well-being, but our mental state too.
We know that we need to exercise. But visiting the nearest gym may not be that prudent especially with the Delta variant in our midst. The question now is how to be physically active while at home. Let us uncover ways to do so.
Pilates
Practitioners of Pilates swear by their regimen. It has kept them physically fit and mentally agile. Athletes even incorporate Pilates in their training to prevent injuries. Professional dancers include this exercise to strengthen their muscles and improve balance.
The name Pilates came from its creator, Joseph Pilates. As a son of a gymnast and a neuropathy practitioner, Joseph believed that physical and mental health were correlated. He developed a workout regimen that weighs heavily on alignment and muscle strength.
You can do Pilates at home because the only equipment that you need is a yoga mat. You also need a space that has plenty of light and is conducive to exercise. This would mean that you need to free the place from clutter so that you can focus on your well-being.
Pilates does not only keep you physically fit. But it can alleviate back pain. This is why some Neuro-rehabilitation facilities have introduced Pilates to their patients.
Good posture is another benefit that you can reap from doing Pilates. It can increase stamina and endurance. Pilates can also lessen menstrual cramps.
Yoga
When people talk about doing exercise at home, they would immediately think about yoga. It is not surprising because, just like Pilates, you just need a yoga mat. You can even do this during your lunch break to de-stress.
People have practiced yoga for centuries. It integrates physical exercise and meditation to achieve perfect health. If you are a parent, you can let your young ones join you.
The main concept of yoga is to focus on your breathing while you exercise. You have to pause for a while before you move to the next yoga pose.
You can start yoga by concentrating on your breathing. You can move on to the child’s pose. But you may choose another position if you have a knee or ankle injury.
If you have back pain, you can choose the Downward-Facing Dog. This position can soothe your aching back. But you may avoid this pose if you are in the last trimester of your pregnancy or have high blood pressure.
For people who want to tone their abs, you should do the Plank Pose. This position can also build your upper body strength. But you have to avoid this stance if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Zumba
This is a fun way to lose weight. It was developed by Alberto Perez in 2001. Together with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, they started the Zumba movement.
Perez accidentally developed this exercise regimen when he forgot to bring his regular exercise music to his aerobics session. Instead of canceling his class, he used the Latin dance music that he had on hand.
People are often guided by instructors who have been licensed by Zumba Fitness, LLC. You must follow their lead to avoid any injury.
Aerobics
You can also try cardiovascular exercises at home because you don’t need any equipment. You just need your gym shoes and a jumping rope. But before you start this exercise, you have to do at least a 5-minute warm-up to prevent any injury.
This exercise regimen is known to improve heart health as well as lessen the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can lower your blood pressure while increasing your good cholesterol level.
A lesser-known benefit of aerobics is that it can help the practitioner control their glucose level. Doing aerobics 3 to 5 times a week will surely aid in weight management. Aerobics can improve how your respiratory system functions.
Exercise is needed to maintain a healthy body. It can also improve brain function because your body’s oxygen level increases, which means that your brain will receive more oxygen.
You can reap more benefits if you exercise with regular meditation. This will lessen your stress and give you tranquility. You need such things after a harrowing 2021 so why not indulge in some fun physical activities.
