It’s finally summer! It is time for vacation, pool days, and soaking up the sun, but with so much to do all year like, like school, sports practices, work, and other family functions, you probably aren’t as beach body ready as you wish you were. Healthy lifestyles are hard to achieve, but it is the most important habit you should be adopting. Even if you don’t have time or money to go to the gym, don’t worry! Here are some workouts you and your children can do around the home for FREE!
If you have a rope laying around, pick it up and jump over it a few times. Jump rope can be done individually or with a group. While you may not have stairs in your house, you may have some on your porch or at a friend’s. Climbing up and down them, or just stair stepping alone can increase your heartrate and burn some of those unwanted calories. High knees can be done inside and out. All you have to do is run in place and lift your knees as high as you can. The key here though is to keep your back as straight as possible, leaning forward or back can cause you to pull a muscle. Lunges are also really easy inside exercises. I try to lunge around my house as much as possible, especially when I am going from one room to the next!
Another one of my favorite indoor exercises is the squat! You can do a traditional squat with your feet shoulder width apart or a sumo squat with your feet spread twice as far. The key here is to keep your back flat and not to bend at the hips. You don’t want to do too many to start off with, so set up a challenge chart for yourself and strive to maximize your effort each day. Another workout that you can set up in a challenge format for just you, or with a buddy, is the plank. Keep your feet hip width apart and your back as flat as you can. This works muscles in your body and it would thank you if it could!
Some other simple, at home exercises you can do include dancing to your favorite playlist, hard core cleaning your home, and engaging with YouTube workouts. Find videos made by experts who give you step by step instructions on how to accomplish the form.
If you are looking to get out of the house to spend a quiet day alone or a fun filled day with your friends and family, consider kayaking or canoeing. These water activities engage your upper body, but you have to remember to stay hydrated!! You can also grab some folks and play corn hole, horse shoes, or just go for a walk. Also check with your local YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Parks and Recreations Facilities, and the Cooperative Extension Service for group fitness courses, family activities, or summer camp opportunities. Have a fun and safe summer!
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