Don't use the weather as an excuse to skip a workout. Increasing movement and exercising indoors is cheap, easy and as effective as a gym or park session. And when you exercise at home there's the added benefit of not having to worry about how you look, how long you go or how much you sweat. Next time you find yourself stuck inside, consider the following indoor activities:

1. Jumping jacks.


2. Lunges and squats.


3. Burpees.


4. Free weights.


5. Jump rope.


6. Dance.


7. Clean like you mean it.


8. Strike a focus pad, if you live with someone who's happy to join you in a friendly combat session.


9. Yoga, pilates, stretching, aerobics or plyometric videos on YouTube, Netflix or a DVD/Blu-ray program (e.g. P90X, Insanity, etc.).


10. Floor exercises, such as crunches or sit-ups, push-ups, planking, and toning exercises.


11. Invest in a home exercise bike or treadmill. Many reliable brands are so affordable that they cost less than a half-year gym membership.

as effective as a gym or park session

To make it happen, gather together the equipment necessary in your living or spare room. You'll find you already have most of what you need or will find it within the strictest of budgets at stores like Target, Kmart, and Aldi, such as:

• Free weights.


• Kettle ball.


• Yoga mat.


• A step or low bench to use as an aerobic step.


• A stable chair or table for balance and toning exercises.

Even if this is a temporary solution to a weather, vacation or financial situation, you can still make time for these exercises throughout the week, for example:

• Allocate 10-15 minutes each morning after brushing teeth or washing your face for an extra kick to your day.


• During TV commercial breaks. These generally run for three to five minutes, so in an hour you'll get in up to 20 minutes of exercise.


• Whenever you can. Any movement is energy expended, meaning calories burned and overall wellbeing positively impacted.

See also...Move Your Body All Day Long