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As we emerge from Winter hibernation, many of us are ready to start preparing for beach season even though it might still be slightly chilly outside. With all sorts of outdoor exercise fads abound yet, many of us are keen to exercise indoors or keep fit from the comfort of our homes. Here are a few exercise ideas that will get you fit and toned quickly and won’t require layers of thermals or the risk of frost bite to do them.
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Aerial Yoga
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A fun twist (excuse the pun) on the norm, Aerial Yoga takes your body to a whole new dimension. The poses are practiced using a piece of fabric bolted into the ceiling which is designed to stretch and take weight. Yoga is, of course, excellent for flexibility and strength, and because the fabric holds up your body weight the risk of injury is minimal. If you don’t have a class near you, why not set one up at home? Check out this website for easy to follow steps on how to set a yoga swing up - https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-an-Aerial-Yoga-Hammock
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Line Dancing
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We’ve all done line dancing at least once in our lives, most likely at a party when a favourite country and western song comes on. Line dancing is a wonderful way to keep fit and have loads of fun too. You don’t have to join a class either, as all you need is a few moves and some good music and you’re A-for away. There are a lot of YouTube tutorials out there, so find one online that you like or make up your own moves. Get the kids involved too and you’ll find that all it takes is a 30-minute dance off to get the heart racing and the thighs burning.
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Back to Basics
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Doing a set of these three basic exercises each day is a sure-fire way to get strong, toned and beach-ready in no time. What’s more, you don’t need any additional widgets or gadgets to do them; just yourself, a little space and some discipline will do it.
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Lunges
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Stand with your feet shoulder-length apart. Take a step forward with your right leg and bend your knee at the same time, your left leg and knee then dips down toward the floor underneath you. Push away with your right foot and return back to standing. Repeat this motion but with your left leg forward. Start off by doing one set of 20 reps and increase as you can.
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The Plank
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The plank doesn’t take much time but is very effective. Lie down flat on the floor with your arms next to your side and your legs straight. Push your body up onto your hands and toes keeping your body in a straight line and your legs and arms straight too. Hold this position for two minutes if you can and you’ll feel what a great abdominal workout it is. Increase the time slowly each week as you can hold for longer.
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Push-ups
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An oldie, but a goodie. Start in a plank position with your body on the floor in a straight line being held up by straight arms and legs. Lower your body down with your arms close to your sides, bending your arms at the elbows and push your body up again. If this is too difficult, bend your knees and cross your feet at your ankles. Do one set of 10 push-ups to start and increase weekly as you get stronger.
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Coming out of Winter, most of us need extra motivation to exercise. So, finding an exercise that makes your heart happy, doesn’t cost a fortune and can be done at home is, most certainly, the best recipe for success. Beach-body ready, here we come!
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