Coronavirus has brought our lives to a standstill, confined us indoors, working from home, cooking at home has become a new normal. Strict lockdowns, quarantine and self-isolation rules are in place across the globe, even as the cases are spiraling at a faster pace.
Let us agree, working from home has several positive sides to it. We all had cut down on those horrifying travel hours, getting stuck up in the traffic and reaching our abodes late in the evening, all tired. However, it also has certain side-effects like getting riveted to the chairs at the comfort of our homes for longer hours, unhealthy snacking, late lunches and even binge-watching television.
It is no exaggeration that many of us are complaining about severe weight gain mostly owing to lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits. While it is true that it is not possible to workout outdoors, hit the gym, run, jog and go for a walk these days, one can still get adapted to a healthy lifestyle by working out indoors.
In these days and times of uncertainties fighting a pandemic, is exercising in the time of Coronavirus a good idea?
Well, it is a known fact that exercise keeps us active, boosts metabolism and improves immunity. Researchers believe that certain workouts like squats, push-ups, skipping in moderation will improve lung function and enhance its power.
All you need is some discipline, staying motivated and ensuring a routine that wouldn’t interfere with your workout schedule. Longer sitting hours can cause accumulation of fat deposits in unwanted places, especially thighs and legs.
It is extremely important to tone these areas, to stay fit and agile. Here are few easy exercises that can tone thighs and legs.
Do Squats:
Squatting is the easiest way to slim down the waist and get those sculpted legs, thighs besides hips and abs. Place a stool or chair next to the wall and perform squats standing alongside. This gives that required extra support and can also be done by those suffering from back pain.
Lunges Help:
Lunges may be a little hard to start with but as you practice, it is one workout that can build confidence and stay happy. Lunges are known for improving lower-body strength and help tone down muscles in the thighs and legs. Start with forward lunges by placing your hands on both sides of your waist and slowly go for other variations like tightrope lunge, heel pop and even reverse lunge.
Planks:
Planks have become quite popular in the recent years, as they can be done at anytime, anywhere in a day. All you need is 5 minutes of your time daily, to experience amazing results. Beginners may go with standard plank where you place hands directly under shoulders, with toes grounded into the floor even as you squeeze hip area for balance. If you have mastered it, try other planks like forearm plank, knee plank and side plank. If you have any joint pains or other muscle related issues, talk to your doctor first.
Stretches:
Nothing works like stretches in providing your lower body all its required strength. There are innumerable ways of doing stretching right from that easy downward facing dog, chair pose, seated toes, warrior stretches that can sculpt your body in the hips, thighs, buttocks and even the calves.
Jump Rope:
Who doesn’t like jump rope? It is both a sport and a workout in its own way that keeps your entire body happy and healthy. Ensure spending 30 minutes daily on jump rope alone to witness wonderful health benefits including building strength, stimulating cardio health, full body exercise, providing strength in the lower body and even for sharpening your brain activity.