Quick, Low Impact Workouts for the Busy Holiday Season
Are you too busy with holiday cheer to work out? Nearly 45 percent of people who responded to a recent survey said that they take a break from exercise during the holidays.
It’s important to exercise throughout the year, of course, especially if you are over the age of 50. Exercising is particularly important during the holidays, and for a wide variety of reasons. Physical activity can help burn calories and reduce weight gain, for example. Moving around stimulates the production of endorphins, or “feel good” hormones, which can decrease the risk of digestive upset, heart problems, and weakened immune system associated with stress (and we all know how stressful the holidays can be!).
Maintaining muscle mass is important as we age and strength building exercises help you keep your muscles strong. Exercise also boosts energy, improves mood, and gives you a great head start on your New Year’s resolutions.
So, how do you squeeze a bit of exercise in between the holiday decorating, shopping, and parties? Easy! Just do a few of these quick and effective indoor exercises that you can do at home or almost anywhere at all!
Speedy At-home Workouts for the Holiday Season
You can sneak these quick, low impact workouts in during even the busiest holiday week! Mighty Health workouts are designed specifically for those 50 and above and will keep you feeling steady and energized all holiday season long. Try them out from home for free!
Seated Workout for Hip Strength and Mobility
These exercises are especially good before or after a walk or other exercise, especially if you have arthritis or another condition that causes pain, weakness, or instability of your hip. It’s a quick workout you can do seated from your own home without any extra equipment!
This workout includes exercises targeted for building hip strength and mobility, including a hip flexor stretch, hip in and outs, hip circles, and hip flexor openers.
No Equipment Core and Lower Body Exercises
Have you stored your exercise equipment to make room for holiday decorations? Never fear! You can do core and lower body exercises without any equipment (although you may want to use a chair for one or two exercises). The best no-equipment exercises focus solely on your lower body, your core, or a combination of both.
This workout includes standing exercises such as side steps, side twists, knee hugs, and squats! They’ll not only help you build strength, but will also improve your balance!
At Home Standing Exercises to Build Balance
Strength and balance are essential at any age, of course, but especially so after the age of 50. Poor balance can lead to falls and major injuries; the loss of muscle mass can lead to weakness, which can also contribute to falls. Research shows that balance begins to decline as early as 50.
Fortunately, you can perform simple and fun standing exercises to build balance and strength. These low impact exercises include arm circles, side bends, airplane back flies, and side crunches that will work your full body for strength and balance!
Energizing and Stress Reducing Indoor Chair Cardio Exercises
Cardio exercise is any activity that makes your heart beat faster and gets you breathing a bit harder. While it’s easier to increase your heart rate and respirations while on your feet, you really can get a great cardio workout while seated in a chair. This is a great option for anyone with balance issues, pain, injury, illness, or looking for a way to switch up their workout routine.
Chair cardio exercises, including leg kicks, flutter kicks, and seated jacks, are a fantastic way to take care of your heart in between the festivities. Cardio is great for heart health and mental health, and will leave you feeling refreshed and energized!
More with Mighty
For more at-home exercises you can do quickly during the holidays, consult with your Mighty Health coach. We understand that the holidays are incredibly busy, stressful, and sometimes unhealthy, so we have developed many strategies to help you stay healthy, happy, and energized from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day! Check out our website to learn how Mighty can tailor towards your individual health needs and goals.