8 Indoor Workout Ideas

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Many of us prefer to workout in natural surroundings, maybe in a park or by the beach. However, some of us prefer an indoor workout and yet hate hitting the gym. For some, lack of open spaces to workout is a problem. While for others it is difficult to workout outside in the biting winter. Whatever your reason, here are some easy to employ indoor workout ideas.

1. Jumping jacks

Jumping jacks are generally done as a warm up for more strenuous workouts, however doing this simple exercise can have a multitude of benefits like burning calories, losing weight, enhancing circulation and toning calf muscles among a host of other benefits. If plain jumping jacks are boring for you, try a jumping jack pyramid. This involves doing jumping jacks in multiples of ten. For instance, first perform 10 jumping jacks, followed by 20, 30 and so on. This will help build resistance and stamina.

2. Martial arts

Take your pick from a variety of martial arts like karate, judo, kung fu, taekwondo, tai chi or kickboxing! While more strenuous forms like karate and kung fu are good for cardio, all forms of martial arts have common benefits like improving co-ordination and reflexes, disciplining oneself, building a strong mind in addition to weight loss and toning of muscles.

3. Skipping rope

The jumping rope is not only inexpensive, it can also be carried everywhere. Skipping a rope for ten minutes can be considered equivalent to a 45 minute jog, making it especially useful for those who are on a tight schedule. Jumping rope results in increased cardiovascular fitness, weight loss and toning muscles.

4. Kettlebell swings

Kettlebell swings improve posture, prevent lower back pain, burn calories, and boost endurance, yet they require just a heavy weight or even a stack of books in a bag! Also, they’re fun at the same time.