Short, dark days and terrible weather mean that exercising indoors may be your only option, so I thought I’d share some tips with you.
Try to spend at least 10 minutes a day doing some sort of exercise to lift your mood, help you to sleep and relax.
- Move your spine in all directions (ie forward, backward, rotation and bending sideways) and include some spine curls (the bridge) or upward and downward cats to improve flexibility.
- Use your bodyweight to build strength and stamina such as press-ups in 4 point kneeling or a side plank.
- Do as many squats as you can – they are great for legs and core and also will raise your heart rate a little. Just make sure that your knees go over your second toe!
- If you spend time sitting at a desk, include back extension exercises where you are lying on your front. This will strengthen your back muscles and avoid a hunched position when you’re standing.
- Try to combine movement patterns such as marching on the spot and adding arm circles. This is great for exercising the brain as well.
- Include some balance exercises in your daily routine. Not only do these train your mind and body to avoid falling, but they will also strengthen the neck, back, hips, knees, ankles and feet often reducing the need for orthotics in later life.
- And don’t forget you’re still working when you’re climbing the stairs, hoovering, making the bed and putting out the bins!!
