Whether it’s a hectic schedule, work commitments or childcare duties that are keeping you at home, you can still reap the health benefits of a basic workout.
And Lee-Anne Wann would know all about fitting things in. As well as balancing her day job as the fitness consultant to the Vodafone Warriors, and writing about health and wellness, Wann is expecting her first baby any day now.
“My motto is every little bit counts,” the 42-year-old says. “It’s all about getting as much incidental exercise as you can.”
Check out these top tips for an easy indoor exercise routine:
Home circuits – choose a few different spots in your house, and pick a different exercise for each area. Whenever you arrive at that location, do five reps of that exercise. For example, squats at the kitchen sink, lunges on the stairs, and tricep dips on the bath tub.
Tin can curls – using cans or drink bottles as your weights, do three sets of 20 bicep curls.
Skipping star – a couple of minutes of skipping on the spot can give you an effective cardio boost, or, if that feels like too much, try walking up and down a step for two minutes.
Bum blaster – start by kneeling on all fours, draw your belly button in and lift one leg up straight behind you, then pulse it up and down to work your glutes. Start with 20 reps on each leg.
Triceps toner – sit on the edge of a sturdy chair with your hands beside you, palms flat on the base of the chair. Pushing with the palm of your hands, take your weight off the chair by slowly bending your elbows and lowering your body, until your arms are at 90 degrees. Push back up and repeat for 10 reps. While exercising in a seated position, always think about your posture and perform the exercise in an upright position with chest to the ceiling and shoulders back.
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For more from Lee-Anne, see this month’s New Zealand Good Health Choices magazine.
