Staying at home all day makes it tempting to sit on the couch or work on your laptop for hours on end. Even if you work in your office or take care of your kids, you might wish you could move more during the day. This guide explains six ways to get moving at home without disrupting your schedule. You can take control of your health and become more active if you try simple tips like these.

 

1. Tackle Your Yardwork

Homeowners or renters with a yard might put off their lawn care responsibilities. Sweating under the hot sun isn’t much fun, but it does get your heart rate up. Grab a pair of headphones or speakers and blast your favorite music to make yardwork an entertaining activity. As you push the lawnmower or pull weeds from your garden, your body will benefit from the extra cardio.

 

2. Walk the Dog

Don’t underestimate a walk around your yard or even the neighborhood. Doctors say that the benefits of walking equal those from jogging because it’s still aerobic exercise. Take your dog for an extra walk every day or ask the neighbor if you can walk theirs. The pup’s need for an activity will motivate you to get moving without requiring a gym membership.

 

3. Take an Online Dance Class

Most businesses offer virtual services, including dance studios. See if any of your local dance academies teach online classes. You can stream your instructor while practicing the moves at home, but be careful. Professional dance studios use specific flooring to prevent slips and falls that end in injuries. Consider installing the same flooring in your home studio or wearing safe shoes to exercise freely.

 

4. Run Up the Stairs

If you have a staircase in your house, consider it a personal step machine. Take the stairs two at a time or jog up to the second floor whenever possible. The quick burst of exercise can act as a mini gym session without taking you away from whatever you need to get done.

 

5. Lift Household Objects

Look around the room. Is there anything you could transform into a weightlifting routine? You could use a full laundry basket to practice upright rows or do bicep curls with wine bottles as long as you haven’t opened them yet. Save your money and avoid slow shipping estimates by working out with what you already have at home.

 

6. Throw a 30-Second Dance Party

You don’t need to exercise at a gym for an hour to benefit from exercising. If you need to boost your mood, shake off some boredom or fit more movement into your day, throw a 30-second dance party. Turn on your favorite song and jam away in your living room. You’ll feel refreshed and energized when it’s time to hit pause and continue with your day.

 

Get Moving at Home

Some people think you need a fancy home gym to move more without driving into town, but that’s not true. These are six easy ways to get moving at home without expensive equipment or tons of time. See how many you can fit into your schedule to create a simplified exercise routine that works for you.