Working Out While Stuck at Home

Now, let's talk about working out while you're stuck at home. Getting some sort of movement during your day is important to both your physical health and your emotional health.

Many people have stopped having any kind of movement during the day during the pandemic. Especially since most people are working at home, there are fewer people walking or biking to work. This includes fewer walks around the office, too.

Being stuck at a desk at home all day is not ideal. Even if you aren't interested in or are physically unable to exercise intensively, it's important to incorporate some movement into your day. Let's talk about some ways that you can fit movement into your day during this time.

For Those Working at Home and/or Taking Classes at Home

Even if you're sitting at your laptop or computer for hours on end, there are ways to sneak in some movement. Consider some of these ideas next time you're feeling restless:

• Stand up and walk around in between reading emails or working on assignments
• Set a timer to walk a lap around your house every 30 minutes
• Walk around while speaking on the phone
• Do leg lifts while you're on video calls
• Take a walk during lunch
• Do five jumping jacks every time you get a question wrong
• Take a trip up and down the stairs every 30 minutes

For Those Who Need to Get Out

If you need to get out of the house, there are great ways to do so safely. Try some of these suggestions:

• Take a brisk walk around the neighborhood during your lunch break
• Do some Pilates in your backyard after work
• Run down to the end of the street and back every time you get off of a call or in between classes

For Those Who Like Creative Solutions

If you don't have a formal gym or any workout equipment, there are a few ways you can spice up your movement. Take a look at some ideas we've put together:

• Curl soup cans as a replacement for weights
• Lift a jug of milk while you walk around
• Lift a book using your legs
• Do pushups on the wall or the end of the couch

For Those Who Like Watching Television

If you need some sort of relaxation after working all day, you may want to do some exercise while watching television. Here are a few ways to get some movement in while you're relaxing:

• Stand up while you're watching
• Walk in place
• Do jumping jacks during commercials
• Do some stretching
• Lookup a workout routine for your favorite TV show

For Those Who Are Busy With Household Chores

If you have too many things to do around the house, there are ways to incorporate your daily movement into your chore routine. Here are a few ways to get some movement while working on chores:

• Dance around while you're mopping or vacuuming
• Run with your kids in the backyard
• Take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood
• Clean out a room
• Get some yard work done