Simple Home Exercises to Keep Fit

Dr Nikita Morwal provides easy exercises to do at home

- Dr Nikita Morwal

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are extensive social distancing policies put into place, restricting our daily activities. Staying at home has transcended into sedentary life for a prolonged period. People are spending most of their time at home and have fewer opportunities to be physically active, especially when gymnasiums and outdoor sports clubs are shut. Furthermore, people have discontinued their regular walking or jogging regime due to movement restrictions. The impact of this physical inactivity could be seen in aspects such as individual health, social care, and the mental well-being of people all across the globe.

Although these social distancing measures are important and needed now, our bodies and minds still require physical activity. In the COVID-19pandemic, it is even more important for people to stay physically active, even if it is only a short break from sitting at your desk and walking some distance or stretching. This will not only ease the muscle strain but also improve blood circulation. Having a fitness routine in your day's schedule will help improve muscle activity and relieve mental tension. Remember - any physical activity is better than none!

Home workout ideas

Start with a 10-minute warm-up followed by aerobic exercises like marching at one place or a light jog on the spot for about 15-20 minutes for 5 days a week. Self-resistance exercises can be easily done at home in the form of wall push-up, situps, squats, planks, reverse planks and can be repeated about 10-12 times at least thrice a week for muscle strengthening.

The workout session must end with cool-down exercises for about 10 minutes.

The warm-up and cool-down phase include flexibility exercises like: