EXERCISE TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Exercise plays a huge role in your HEALTH. Research shows it can improve your immune system, prevent chronic disease, ward off colds, improve mood, bone healthy, cardiovascular health, and prevent certain cancers, etc. I could go on and on! I have seen a lot of posts on facebook since we are all home bound and many people are upset the gyms are closed. I am too since I work at one:( I miss teaching my PiYo class BUT it hasn’t stopped me from getting my daily workouts in! Just because the gym is closed doesn’t mean you can’t workout! There are many options you can do in your house (you do not need a lot of room) with or without weights and equipment. You can also go outside – I know it is in the 70’s today in PA so get outside and get some Vitamin D. Here are some ways to exercise at home:
*Youtube a video – there are a variety of workouts you can find on youtube or on demand.
*Breakout your old DVD workouts! I know some of you still have them!
*Pick 5 different upper body exercises. For example, bicep curls, triceps, arm raises, push-ups and dips. Do each exercise for 1 minute resting for 10 seconds in between, and repeat this series 3x. Next, pick 5 lower body exercises and then 5 core exercises, completing 3 full sets for one minute each exercise. You will have yourself a 45 minute plus workout!
*Ladder workout: You can choose the same 5 exercises above and instead of doing them for a minute, do a ladder workout. Start with 10 reps, 15 reps and then 20 reps (with 10 seconds rest in between) and then count back down with 15 reps and 10 reps. Then move onto the next exercise.
*You could add some cardio with jumping jacks, running in place, walking or running up and down stairs in your house (carefully), jumping rope, burpies, jumping squats, etc. Youtube different cardio workouts for home for more ideas. You do not need a lot of room. You should see the small area I workout in!
*Get our your yoga mat and stretch. Do some deep breathing exercises for relaxation.
*Clean your house – this is great exercise!
*Get outside and do some yard work.
*Go outside for a walk or job. Enjoy the fresh air! Today, my friend that I usually run with had a great idea. Since we can’t run together, we talked on our air buds the entire run! It made it go by quicker and challenged me to go further. It was awesome.
*Facetime a friend and workout together for motivation and accountability.
*If you have kids play some sports. I spent an hour kicking and throwing the soccer ball around with my 3 year old yesterday. Today we played basketball, soccer and football outside in the driveway!
*To motivate your kids, run challenges with points and give small prizes. Make it fun! For example, if you do 50 jumping jacks you will get 5 points; shoot basketballs for 10 minutes and get 8 points. My daughter’s soccer coach is doing this with her club team to keep them involved with soccer while they are confined at home.
*Feel free to comment and share other ideas you may have. It is SO important that we all stay active. Be creative and make it fun! Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day too! I don’t want to hear people saying they can’t do that because they don’t have enough toilet paper!!! Hydration is key. Check out my blog from yesterday on eating healthy to improve your immunity. Stay healthy and safe!
