Wellness@Work: How to stay active indoors during winter  

If you want to stay active this winter, but you also want to avoid the chill outside, there are plenty of ways you can exercise indoors to boost your fitness.  

Here are some fun and effective activities to try: 

• Home workouts. You don’t need a gym to stay fit. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks are great for full-body strength and can be done anywhere. 
• Online fitness classes. There are so many virtual fitness programs and apps out there. You can find yoga, Pilates, HIIT, or dance classes that you can follow along with from the comfort of your home. 
• Jumping rope. It’s a great cardio workout, and you only need a little space. It helps with coordination, endurance, and burns a lot of calories. 
• Dancing. Put on your favorite music and dance around your living room. Not only is it fun, but it’s also an excellent workout. 
• Climbing stairs. If you have stairs in your house or building, running or walking up and down them can be an intense workout. 
• Stretching and mobility work. If you prefer something low impact, focusing on mobility exercises and stretching can help keep your muscles limber and improve flexibility. 
• Strength training. If you have dumbbells, resistance bands, or even household items (like water bottles or canned goods), you can do resistance training at home to build muscle. 
• Active video games. Some video games get you moving, like those on the Nintendo Switch (think Ring Fit Adventure) or fitness-focused VR games. 
• Indoor sports. If you have the space, consider playing indoor sports like table tennis, badminton, or even setting up a mini basketball hoop for some fun shooting practice. 
• Circuit training. Set up a circuit with different exercises (e.g., jumping jacks, high knees, push-ups, burpees, etc.), and go through each station for a full-body workout. 

About the author: Michelle Ryan, an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher and fitness instructor, works as a marketing specialist for USA Health.           

How can you lead a longer, better life? Follow weekly Wellness@Work tips from USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness. We cover ways you can eat better, move better, be more mindful, and find more balance to support your optimal health and well-being. Learn more at https://www.usahealthsystem.com/wellness.