5 Ways to Stay Active while Social Distancing
Everyone is trying to do their best to stay healthy by distancing themselves from crowds of people, washing their hands, getting more sleep, however that does not mean that we need to stay inside and only perform sedentary activities. Here are some fun activities to maintain your activity levels and enjoy the outdoors while we all navigate through this difficult time.
1. Take a Walk
There is no reason why you are not able to get out of the house and simply take a walk (as long as you are mobile and safe to ambulate). There should be no pressure on how long you go either. Whether you feel comfortable only walking around the back yard or apartment complex, or finally taking that long walk in your favorite hiking spot you have never had time to do, take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Set timers throughout your day to stop what you are doing and go take a walk, even if it is just around the house if going outside is not available to you. Like Aerosmith says, “Walk this way”!!
2. Home Workouts
As many of the gyms are closed there are many left with no outlet for their physical energy. What we don’t know is how much our home can become a great workout space. If you have stairs, a chair, and an open space you have the makings for a great home workout filled with squats, step ups, single limb sit to stands, burpees, push-ups and many, many more fun activities. Even if you have only one or none of these, there are plenty of ways to create fun home workouts for you and your kids if you are one of the many now adding full time care taker/teacher to their many hats you already wear. You don’t have to make it a full structured workout but if you are, check back on the PhysioStrength Instagram (@physiostrength) next week for daily workouts you can do at home. We will be posting one every day next week.
3. Become Less Efficient
Yes! I said less efficient. But let me explain! Normally we would take all the laundry down to the laundry room at once or take all the necessary items we need down the stairs to limit going up and down. But think of all the extra activity you will be getting if you add one or two more times up and down the stairs a day. Or the extra steps you take by walking to the fridge to get more water in a half full cup vs filling it all the way up. Seems tedious I know, but it can help to keep your energy and focus up for those long days when we need a little more motivation. A great way to add to this would be counting your steps! Getting in the 10,000 recommended steps won’t be as far away as you think even though you are staying in.
4. Play Active Games
Games such as Candy Land, Monopoly, or all Card games are awesome and fun to play, however think more charades, scavenger hunts across the whole house/backyard or just have a good old fashion Dance Party! Having games that involve movement will greatly impact your energy levels and keep things fun and interesting.
5. Tackle the Large Household Chores
You know those household projects you have been putting off because of time, well if you are one of the many with slightly more time on their hands, now might be a good time to tackle. Even if it is to finally move the couch to vacuum, re-organizing the pantry or linen closet, or even better the dreaded yardwork, now is the time to finally cross those off your forever To-Do List.
During a time in our lives where we are finding ourselves at home and with less social activities, let’s not let our fitness levels also decrease. Most of all, take time with your family and enjoy the extra moments we have with each other. Here is to staying active and continually moving during this trouble time of Social Distancing. Stay Healthy and Safe!