How to Stay Active Without Leaving Your Home

Staying active has never been more important. With many of us spending more time at home, finding ways to keep fit can pose a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine without stepping outside. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, you can create a healthy lifestyle right within the comforts of your home.

Home Fitness: Creating Your Space

The first step to staying active at home is to create a designated space for exercise. It doesn't have to be large; a corner of your living room or bedroom can work just fine. Clear an area of clutter, and consider adding a yoga mat or exercise mat for comfort and safety.

Home workout space ready for exercise

When setting up your space, think about what equipment you might want. A few essentials can include dumbbells, a resistance band, and yoga blocks. These items are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises. However, if you do not have equipment, don't worry! Your body weight can provide ample resistance for a solid workout.

Get Inspired with Home Fitness Routines

Creating a routine is crucial for staying dedicated to your fitness goals. But what should these routines look like? Here are a few ideas:

1. Bodyweight Exercises: Exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups utilize your body weight for resistance. Start with three sets of 10 repetitions for each exercise and gradually increase as you build strength.

2. Yoga and Stretching: These practices promote flexibility, balance, and strength. You can join our online yoga group or online stretching courses.

   
   

3. Dance or Aerobic Workouts: Use your favourite music to get your heart pumping. Several online platforms offer dance workouts to help you bust a move whilst burning calories. If you're up for the real deal, join our online pole dance courses.

   
   

4. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): This can be an effective way to get a solid workout in a short amount of time. Typically, a HIIT session includes short bursts of intense activity followed by recovery periods. These workouts can often be done in 20-30 minutes.

   
   

You can explore our home workout course available online for guidance and structure. This course offers multiple bodyweight and weighted routines for different levels and suitable for fresh beginners.

Practicing yoga indoors for flexibility

Stay Motivated

Staying motivated can be a challenge when working out at home. Here are some tips to keep your spirits high:

• Set Goals: Whether big or small, having fitness goals can give you something to work towards. Write them down and track your progress.

  
  

• Join a Class: Participating in virtual classes can create a sense of community. We are offering interactive exercises that allow you to connect with your trainers and fellow participants. You can join our Strength & Flexibility course online.

  
  

• Work Out with a Buddy: Invite a friend to join you for a virtual workout session. Having a partner can make workouts more enjoyable and keep you accountable.

  
  

• Celebrate Achievements: Don’t forget to reward yourself. Each milestone you reach deserves recognition, whether it’s a new exercise mastered or consistent workouts for a week.

  
  

Making Use of Everyday Items

If you’re lacking traditional fitness equipment, don’t fret. Many household items can double as exercise equipment:

• Chairs: Use a sturdy chair for triceps dips or step-ups. It’s a great way to work your upper body and legs.

  
  

• Backpack: Fill a backpack with books for added weight during squats or lunges, providing resistance without cost.

  
  

• Towels: Use a towel for resistance during stretches or a makeshift slider for exercises like mountain climbers on hard floors.

  
  

By thinking creatively, you can transform your home environment into a versatile workout zone.

A simple chair can replace several gym equipment.

Incorporating Movement into Your Day

Staying active doesn’t just mean structured workouts; it can also include movement throughout your daily routine. Here are some tips:

• Take Breaks: If you work from home, set an alarm to remind yourself to take short activity breaks every hour. Use these breaks to stretch, walk around, do a quick exercise or to meditate.

  
  

• Choose Stairs Over Elevators: If your home has stairs, use them. Climbing stairs is a fantastic way to build lower body strength and get your heart rate up.

  
  

• Stand Whilst You Work: If possible, consider using a standing desk or create a makeshift one by stacking boxes. This small change can help increase overall energy expenditure throughout the day.

  
  

• Active Household Chores: Turn chores into a workout! Cleaning, gardening, or even organising a room requires physical effort, so maximise these tasks for added activity.

  
  

Staying active whilst at home is entirely achievable with a bit of creativity, motivation, and planning. Create a dedicated workout space, establish a routine, and find ways to incorporate movement throughout your day. The most important thing is to find activities you enjoy – when you enjoy the process, you are more likely to stick with it.

So start today! Explore our online classes, set your goals, and transform your living space into a hub of health and fitness. By doing so, you will not only enhance your physical well-being but also contribute to your mental health, leading to a happier, healthier you.

If you need a daily reminder to stay active and build healthier habits, join the PDC Wellness Challenge!