From heating and cooling to electronics and appliances, it takes a lot of energy to power our daily lives. Our homes use 37 percent more energy today than they did in 1980. But without energy efficiency -- through technology innovation and federal energy conservation standards -- this number would be a lot higher. In fact, even though our total energy use has grown, our energy use per household is down about 10 percent, despite that our homes are larger and contain more devices.To integrate fitness into your life, you don't need a gym membership, supplies, or a lot of free time. In the comfort of your own home, you can do a variety of equipment-free workouts. Some can be done in as little as 10 minutes.
You owe it to your body and mind to improve your workout routine, and there are several choices available suggested by chiropractors Columbus, OH.
DancingDance benefits your physical and mental health, whether it's free-form movement to your favorite pop song, a tightly choreographed hip-hop routine, or waltzing around your living room with a partner. Depending on the style, you can burn anywhere from 250 to 500 calories per hour dancing. Dance can also help you remember things, concentrate better, and pay attention.
Walking Upstairs
And if it's raining, snowing, or you're unable to leave the house, you can get your steps in and get some aerobic exercise by going up and down every stairwell at home or in your apartment building.
You can also add some variety to your workout by doing a move aerobic workout. Move up and down from the landing to the first step, seeing how fast you can do it. When you step up and down, turn to one side or the other to mix it up.
Couch Potato Workout
You can do a couch potato workout from the comfort of your own house. You fit it in during your favorite TV show's commercial breaks or while you're otherwise vegging out.
Sitting-to-stand is an example of a couch potato workout. You will repeatedly stand up from the couch and then sit back down during this exercise. It strengthens your buttocks and thighs, and depending on how quickly you stand and sit, it will increase your heart rate.
Plank
The plank is a seemingly easy movement that will help you strengthen your heart and upper body. It's also an activity that can be tailored to your specific interests and physical abilities.
If you're just getting started, try a plank with your knees bent and your feet on the floor instead of straight legs. Some people tend to do a plank with their arms straight and hands on the floor rather than bending at the elbows and resting their forearms flat on the floor.
Squats & Lunges
Squats and lunges are the gold standards for developing lower-body strength, if planks are the gold standard for developing core strength. Squats and lunges, like planks, are more difficult than they seem. Simply aim to complete 10 squats in a row. Even if you start off in good shape, you'll most likely be huffing and puffing by the end.
Squats are performed by standing up straight with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Keep your eyes straight ahead. As if you're about to sit in a chair, begin to lower your body. Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to or nearly parallel to the ground. As your knees bend, your upper body can lean slightly forward. Return to a standing position by slowly straightening your back. Rep for a total of one minute or ten reps.
