Here’s a question: why are seasonal allergies a thing?! If you suffer from seasonal allergies, your symptoms likely have a wide range; perhaps a slight tickle here and there in early spring, and over time the outside air becomes LITERAL poison. Not a fun time.
The pollen season can be especially irritating if you enjoy staying active, going for jogs, and/or just going for walks to enjoy the spring sunshine. That’s why our pals at Virtua Health put together this list of indoor exercises, mixing together apartment-friendly activities with more intense ones to really get you moving without ever leaving your house.
Jump Rope
Jumping rope is the perfect indoor cardio exercise, and it’s super simple – just grab a rope and get to jumping! It works on your balance, agility, and muscle strength, all while torching calories. Just remember to be mindful if you have downstairs neighbors and stay clear of any furniture or fragile items. If you want to get your heart pumping without having to leave the house, add this quick exercise to your daily routine.
Jumping Jacks
Remember how fun jumping jacks were as a kid? And for good reason! Jumping jacks are not only a great way to get energy out, but they’re also a full-body workout that allows you to work on multiple muscle groups in a simple motion. If you’re ready to kick it up a notch, try a variation of this exercise. Cross jacks will target even more muscle groups, while a plank jack puts your core strength to the test. Experiment to see which of these exercises would fit best in your regimen.
High Knees
Another straightforward exercise that doesn’t require much movement around the house, high knees are your friend if you’ve given up your daily jog. Make sure with this exercise that you practice proper form, and you’ll start to feel the burn in no time. You can switch things up with some butt kicks to work out your hamstrings and glutes, or you can do mountain climbers, which will allow you to work out the same muscles with an added core challenge.
Burpees
Ah, the dreaded burpee. Fun fact – did you know that this exercise’s name comes from the physiologist who invented the exercise, Royal Huddleston Burpee Sr.? Now you know exactly who to thank!
Now, back to the topic. The burpee, while challenging, is one of the most effective indoor anaerobic exercises for strength training – if done correctly. Make sure to focus on proper form, and you’ll be working up a sweat before you know it!
Chair squats
This is an exercise perfectly suited for the indoors. Just grab a chair, make sure your legs are spaced about shoulder-width apart, and squat as if taking a seat. It’s a wonderful exercise for your lower body, and once you feel comfortable doing this you can remove the chair. Add it to your regimen if you’re looking to strengthen your glutes, quads, and core muscles.
Plank to Downward Dog
Taking a page from yoga’s book, the plank to downward dog triples as a strengthening exercise, a stretch, and a meditative activity.
Maintain a good form so that you can experience all of the benefits of this exercise, and be sure to use a yoga mat to be kind to your hands and feet.
If your seasonal allergies are getting you down, don’t let it get in the way of your routine! Mix and match these exercises, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running (haha) once the allergens clear out. While you’re at it, make an appointment at one of Virtua Health’s Primary Care practices today to manage your allergy symptoms and get back to fighting shape.
Enjoy, and happy sweating!
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