Fun Ways to Get Exercise Inside

When the weather is not in your favor, exercising outdoors is particularly difficult. Instead of going to the gym, engage in fun indoor exercises such as attending a dance class, playing video games, taking a yoga class and doing plyometrics. You can even do many of these exercises at home.

  1. Dance Classes

    • Indoor dance classes give you the opportunity to burn calories, socialize and have fun. Whether you enjoy dancing ballet or Zumba, expect the workout to feel less like a chore and more like an opportunity to have a good time and let go of your stresses. Dance classes often incorporate moves from exercises such as Pilates, weight training and yoga, which provide you with muscle strength and improved balance.

    Video Games

    • Technology has transformed video games from a sedentary activity to a full body workout. Video games allow you to engage in exercises such as dancing, running and weight training, all without leaving your living room. For those who need more motivation to play, games like The Biggest Loser or Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum on the Nintendo Wii system allow you to get in shape on your own or compete with your friends. The games track your progress as you perform total body exercises, as well as allow you to input and track exercises not done on your gaming console. Many fitness games, like The Biggest Loser, include healthy tips and recipes. The console you use plays a large role in how good of a workout you get. For example, XBox Kinect's camera is able to see your body and the motions it goes through, while Wii is only able to detect the controller you hold and cannot follow what your body is doing.

    Yoga

    • Yoga classes are extremely customizable, from beginner classes where you learn proper breathing techniques to advanced classes such as power yoga where more intense poses are introduced. You can do yoga exercises at home along with a video, or attend an in-person yoga class where you have access to the assistance of an experienced teacher. Yoga is an effective stress-reliever and provides your body with increased strength and flexibility.

    Plyometrics

    • Plyometrics incorporate simple moves into a powerful, intense workout with little rest in between exercises. Examples of movements include jumping jacks, pushups, mountain climbers and tuck jumps, where you jump as high as you can, bringing your knees to your chest as you rise up. Each exercise is performed in a set of repetitions, which are then repeated to create sets. For example, start off by stretching for a few minutes. After one minute, do 12 repetitions of mountain climbers, then rest for one minute. Do 12 repetitions of tuck jumps, rest for a minute, then follow up with 12 repetitions of jumping jacks. When you repeat the same exercise cycle, you are beginning a new set. Try to do at least three sets during your routine. Since your body will eventually adapt to the exercises you do, it is best to switch up your routine when you feel as though it is getting too easy for you.