Working out indoors
 
  • Article By: Martha Lourey-Bird
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Exercise class

There’s no excuse not to exercise this winter. Even if the weather is bad outside, you have many indoor workout options.

Weight Watchers magazine fitness editor Martha Lourey-Bird suggests 10 ideas to keep you moving.


Working out indoors
Two friends working out 1. Double trouble
Find a friend you can exercise with once a week and alternate who chooses the exercise. You could do a fitness class one week and an aqua-aerobics class the next or try booking a personal trainer together.
Couple salsa dancing 2. Feel the rhythm
Ever fancied taking up dancing? Now is the time to sign up for anything from ballroom and salsa to belly or even pole dancing classes. It’s a fun way to work out, learn a new skill and meet new people.
Yoga class 3. Go local
Check out options in your neighbourhood. You may be surprised at what’s on offer at community centres. You could book in for weekly Pilates, yoga, martial arts or tai chi.
Woman stretching in front of TV 4. And action!
Keep a collection of exercise DVDs handy that you can do in the comfort of your own lounge room. It’s a convenient and effective way to work out. There are loads on the market and the internet.
Indoor tennis 5. Kick it to me!
Join an indoor sports team in winter. There are lots on offer including soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, tennis and volleyball. It mixes exercising with socialising and you’re far more likely to attend if you’ve got other people counting on you.
Person standing on pool edge 6. Different strokes
An indoor pool offers you the option of swimming laps or doing aqua-aerobics classes. If you’re not a great swimmer, try alternating between different strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, etc) and walking laps. Just keep moving for as long as you can so you get a decent workout.
Woman shopping 7. Shop till you drop
Walking laps around a shopping centre keeps you moving while dry indoors. There’s a lot to look at as you walk, but avoid stopping until your workout is complete. Set aside 20 minutes of continuous walking before you actually hit the shops.
Person running on a treadmill 8. Hire, buy or borrow
Track down some home exercise equipment to keep you going when the weather is bad. Ideal options are a treadmill, bike, rowing machine and weights.
Someone running up stairs 9. DIY
Household items such as books, bags, cans, bottles and stairs can be your gym equipment. Use these for an indoor circuit (bicep curls, upright rows, jogging) doing one exercise after the other for about 30 seconds each for 20-30 minutes.
Woman bench pressing weights 10. Work it
Purchase a short-term gym membership or a set of casual visits and do your own resistance training workout in the weights section or sample the range of classes on offer. There are many different classes to try.

About the author
Martha Lourey-Bird is the Fitness Editor for Weight Watchers Magazine. You can visit her website.


 





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