Bad weather doesn’t have to mean skipping your workout. Keep your weight loss routine going despite heavy rain, icy roads or even unsafe streets. The key is creativity. Here are some tips for getting in a good workout, even if you can’t get out.
Living room cardio
Jump “rope” – Especially if you have carpet or low ceilings, using an actual rope can be dangerous. Instead mimic jump rope motions to get your heart rate up. You don’t have to jump higher than an inch or so off the floor. Add arms as if turning a rope for an upper body workout.
Lateral jumps – Place a towel or yoga mat on the floor. Stand on the side of the towel with feet together. Leading with the leg closest to the mat, hop over to the other side. If you are a beginner you can step to the other side. These jumps are great for burning calories and toning your thighs.
Take the stairs – if you have stairs in your home run them a few times. Alternately, you can walk them two at a time. If you don’t have stairs, get a chair or bench and step up and down. Advanced exercisers can jump up on the chair and down again for a more vigorous workout. Be sure the chair is sturdy and on a stable surface.
Set up a kick boxing station – Use sofa cushions or pillows to craft your makeshift boxing bag. You can also go for some shadow boxing. Bounce on the balls of your feet as you land jabs on your imaginary bag.
Move to your own groove – You can always break out and dance like nobody is watching.
Equipment free weight training
Body weight training – The easiest strategy for equipment free exercise is to use body weight training. Body weight training is a top fitness trend for 2015, and with good reason. You can do it anytime and anywhere- you always have the equipment you need with you. Some great exercises to try include: planks, squats, lunges, push-ups, and a wall sitting chair pose. To do the chair pose stand straight with your back against the wall. Bend your knees slowly until you are in a sitting position, as if in an air chair.
Abdominal hold – This is a great body weight training exercise that gets results. Sit on a sturdy chair with both feet on the floor. Place your hands, palms down beside your thighs. Now keep your knees together and lift your bottom up from the chair. You should be holding yourself up by your hands.
Bicep curls — Fill water bottles with kitty litter (you can also just keep the water). Use your “weights” as you would use dumbbells for bicep curls.
Household duties – If you have a fireplace, bring in a few armfuls of wood. If you have a baby, lift her high. That’s fun for her and a few minutes of arm fitness for you. Look for others ways to cross things off your list that can help you burn a few calories while you work or play.
Don’t let cabin fever get you down. Working out is a great way to boost mood and burn calories.
