Regular exercise is something that should not be taken lightly. While it’s easy to blame our hectic schedules for not finding the time to go to the gym, the result of the very same hectic schedule is reflected badly on our health. With the lifestyles that most of us lead today, it is not easy to find time for everything that is important. Compromises have to be made; and the first thing that takes a hit, is usually our health. While office goers may still find time for a quick workout within their schedules, it is often the stay-at-home mothers and people working from home, who neglect their health the most. Given that they have a family to take care of, which truly is a 24/7 job, finding time for a workout can be seriously tough. If you are a victims of such circumstances, here are a few tips that will help you keep a tab on your health, while you go about your daily chores.
Standing calf raises
You can do these even while you are washing the dishes. Stand with your feet, shoulder-width apart. Raise your toes to a ‘tip-toe’ position, hold for about 10 seconds and then, slowly return back to your starting position. Do this until you feel you are unable to continue. This simple exercise works on your thighs and claves, even as you work on your dirty dishes.
Wide plies
Stand with your legs wide apart and keep your toes pointing outwards. Push your hip down and bend your knees at a 90 degree angle. Now, pulse up and down about 20 to 25 times, more, if you are able to. This workout helps in toning your inner thighs. These too can be done while you are washing the dishes or peeling potatoes for dinner.
Tree pose
Stand with both legs close to each other. Slowly, lift the left leg and bend it in such a way that the left foot touches the inside of the right thigh. Press and hold this pose for a few seconds. Now, slowly bring the leg down and switch. This exercise helps build your strength and flexibility. You can easily find the time to do this one, while doing your daily chores.
Standing push-ups
Loading your laundry into the washing machine can actually be a great exercise for your chest, arms and hands. Here’s how: Stand a few feet away from the washing machine and place your hands, shoulder-width apart on it. Bend your arms slowly, while bringing your chest toward the edge of the machine. Slowly, push back out to a full-arm extension. Repeat 20 times.
Bent over stretches
Done with the washing? Now it is time to pull the clothes out of the machine and put them out to dry. Why not exercise your back muscles while you’re at it? Stand about 3 feet away from the machine with your hands, shoulder-width apart, placed on its top. With your legs placed hip-width apart, bend forward at the waist until your torso is parallel to the floor. Hold for one minute, while breathing deeply.
Giant steps
Do this simple exercise while you are vacuuming your home. Lunge forward with your right leg. Bend the right knee while keeping the left leg stretched and straight. Feel the pull in your left leg. Alternate with the left leg now. This exercise will help tone your legs, while you keep your home dust free!
Belly squeezes
Vacuuming can also be a great workout for your tummy muscles. Contract your abs by pulling your navel in and breathing deeply, making sure to keep your shoulders back and your torso straight. Try to hold your stomach in, without resting, for five minutes.
