Break a Sweat, Boost Your Recovery

You know that exercise is good for you – but did you know that it is good for your recovery as well? When you’re in better shape, you feel more confident and have more energy. Plus, you don’t have to join a gym or pay for pricey classes, just get moving!

Workouts That Won’t Break the Bank

Get creative with your activities in the new year and boost your recovery at the same time – for free or at a very low cost.

1. Just dance. Dance video games are available at every arcade, a number of community centers, and potentially in your own home, making it fun and competitive to keep up with fast-paced dance movements that are a great way to get exercise. Or, you could just dance. Put on your favorite music, with or without anyone else around, and dance for 10 minutes.
2. Clean. Okay, this one isn’t fun necessarily, unless you are someone who enjoys cleaning in its own right, but it does burn calories and give you a workout. If you’re counting steps, you’ll certainly get to your daily goal by cleaning your home.
3. Gardening. You can work up a sweat gardening, just 30 minutes can burn up to 300 calories. Plus, immersing yourself in nature can help anxiety and reduce stress. Gardening can also encourage you to eat healthier.
4. Volunteer or offer a helping hand. There are a number of part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities that will allow you to give back, get a workout in, and maybe make a little extra money on the side as well. You can offer to walk a neighbor’s dog or help with yard work.
5. Do an on-demand workout. There are TV channels dedicated to exercise programming and YouTube channels that offer free workouts of all kinds. Try out tai chi in the privacy of your room or go for a kickboxing workout. Go old school and do a step workout from the 80s, or get creative and search for some unique workouts you have never heard of before.
6. Go hiking. If you live near the Everglades or another swamp with trails, great! Take advantage and explore the natural wildlife. If you are closer to the beach, take your hike near the water and stay a little cooler. As long as you keep moving, you are getting exercise.
7. Park farther away from the store. Or save gas and help the environment by walking or riding a bike instead. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Make a point every hour to take a walk around the block. Go the long way around instead of taking a shortcut. Remember extra movements add up to a full workout.