For avid cyclists and joggers, the outdoors inevitably calls for you at some point in the day. There is something liberating about the adrenaline rush running through your veins, the heart pumping as you view the city and the breath of fresh air.
However, after Diwali, outdoor exercise may not be ideal. High AQI levels in many cities across India indicate significant air pollution, making outdoor activities extremely harmful for your lungs. Instead, try these indoor workouts.
Also read: 30 minutes of intense exercise gives you more brain power than a regular workout period
1. Squats
Squats not only improve flexibility but also effectively target the lower body parts like quads, hamstrings and glutes. Squats are also a vigorous, high-intensity exercise that easily burns calories and also improves posture. Try jumping squats to up your squat workout game.
2. Jumping Jack
Jumping jacks can be performed as a simple warm-up exercise or as a break between higher intensity exercises. It’s about jumping and touching hands. This is an ideal exercise for beginners to get a good boost of energy.
Also read: Man who lost 59kg cites ‘his best workout to gain muscle while losing weight’ Watch
3. frames
Planks engage the entire body, including the legs, core, back, arms and shoulders. It effectively builds muscle strength and stamina. This exercise activates muscle groups by absorbing a lot of energy to maintain balance. Plank is all about balancing on the toes and forearms and maintaining an upright posture while lifting the body off the ground. It also strengthens the core. Try different variations of planks such as side planks and planks with leg lifts for an optimal and well-rounded exercise.
4. Yoga
Try yoga asanas like Surya Namaskar and Virabhadrasana to improve your flexibility. If you’re looking for a relaxing but rigorous form of exercise, yoga can help you feel calm, peaceful and centered, while also improving flexibility and posture with flexible asanas.
5. Zumba
If you love moving your joints and getting into the groove, let this be your workout. Try Zumba which involves high-energy, aerobic dance activities. It’s a full-body workout that targets your arms, core, legs and glutes while improving cardiovascular fitness. Zumba makes exercise fun and exciting.
Also read: Riddhima Kapoor’s fitness secrets revealed for her toned body at the age of 44: ‘I don’t go to the gym, I just work out…’
