14 Fun Indoor Activities to Keep You in Shape During the Rainy Months
Spring is almost upon us, and many of us live in areas that have persistent rain showers this time of year. When this happens, most people just want to stay inside and stay dry! But that can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle, and even if it’s temporary, it can result in a decrease in muscle mass, lethargy, and reduced endurance. Especially, after being cooped up all winter!
We don’t want this to happen to you, so we have come up with fourteen creative ways for you to stay fit this spring if you don’t have a gym membership. Each will burn calories, strengthen your muscles, or help build stronger bones. And all are fun!
1. Indoor rock climbing
This is a great activity for people of any age and ability, as even beginners can easily learn this skill. Rock climbing helps with coordination, arm and leg strength, and endurance. Find a reputable facility and enjoy!
2. Bowling
Grab the family or some friends and bowl a couple games. The movement will not only build your arm strength, but it will help hand-eye coordination and burn a few calories while you’re having fun.
3. Exercise bike or elliptical
Consider purchasing a piece of exercise equipment for your home so you can work out whenever you want. Both an exercise bike and an elliptical machine offer excellent cardiovascular workouts.
4. Walking the mall
When it’s too cold to walk outside, head to the mall! You don’t have to shop; simply walk around and enjoy the exercise and the people watching. You can stop by the mall on evenings or weekends, and some even open early in the mornings just so people can walk!
5. Swimming
Many YMCAs or county recreation facilities have indoor pools. Swimming is a great way to stay in shape, and because it’s a low-impact exercise, it is perfect for people who suffer from joint or back pain.
6. Jump rope
Purchase a quality jump rope and set up a safe place in your garage or basement (if the ceiling is high enough) to use it. Jumping rope is not only a great cardiovascular exercise, but it helps improve agility and coordination and tones your muscles.
7. Exercise bands/weights
While you’re at it, purchase some weights and an exercise band. Set up a place in your home where you can safely use them. Bands are great for stretching muscles and strengthening bones, and weights will help improve muscle tone and bone strength.
8. Ice skating/roller skating
Remember when you were a kid and you felt so free on skates? As adults, we may rarely think about skating, but both ice skating and roller skating (or roller blading) are excellent ways to improve your cardiovascular health. Plus, they help strengthen and tone your leg muscles!
9. Walking up and down the stairs
This is a simple exercise that requires no equipment. Whether you are in your house or at the office, safely take advantage of the stairs. We recommend walking up and down five to six times, three to four times a day, if you are able. This will not only tone your legs, but it will get your blood pumping as well. Make sure you hold the railing!
10. Watch an exercise video on YouTube
Search YouTube for some fun exercises that meet your skill level. Then clear a path in front of the TV and follow along.
11. Put on your favorite songs and dance
You don’t have to be an expert dancer to enjoy dancing in the comfort of your own home. In fact, no one has to see you! Create a playlist of songs that make you feel happy, then put them on and dance around your living room or kitchen for a great cardiovascular workout!
12. Walk-in-place app
There are many apps that are geared toward simply walking in place. They provide short videos that show you how to move and that encourage you along the way. They are good for a brief cardiovascular workout. You can even do them a few times a day.
13. Squats, push-ups, or pull-ups
Strengthen your muscles and your core by integrating squats, push-ups, and even pull-ups into your daily routine. If you have never done these, watch a video to learn the proper technique, then start slowly. Work your way up to more each day as you grow in strength.
14. VR headset or Wii Fit
VR headsets offer numerous immersive workout opportunities. Choose from things like yoga, boxing, cardio workouts, dancing, and more. Wii Fit is older, but many people still have them. It offers lots of similar fun activities, and it can be done with a partner or with your kids, which makes it much more fun.
This spring, be good to your body and don’t fear the rain! Stay active by participating in some fun indoor activities. Try some or all of these and let us know which are your favorites!
