Let’s face it — with spring now sprung, it’s going to quickly become too hot to make exercising outside feasible. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on your workout goals entirely. Indoor exercise delivers all the benefits of outdoor exercise, plus a few bonuses. Like air-conditioning.
Working out indoors isn’t just a great way to beat the heat either. With the right equipment, it can help you keep a varied exercise regimen, stay healthy and costs way less than a gym.
Stretch into yoga
Yoga is practically made for the warmer months. It improves your flexibility, stretches out those muscles and, best of all, doesn’t involve nearly as much sweating as most types of exercise.
Importantly, it’s also very easy to do indoors and in smaller spaces. All you need to start is a soft yoga mat.
If you’re just trying it out and not sure if yoga is the thing for you, you might want to start with one of the low-cost options from Big W, like this simple and sleek grey Circuit Yoga Mat for just $4.50. It’s a top choice for learning the basics of yoga, taking it slow and copying the moves off an instructor online.
Once you have the hang of things, you may be tempted to pick out a new mat. Not only will it be more stylish, but it’ll also be hardier and longer lasting, making it ideal for lengthy stretch sessions.
THE ICONIC and MoveActive both have a huge range of designer mats cute enough that you’ll want to work out. Designs include relaxing beach scenes and intricate patterns.
If all the colours are making your head spin already, take a look at this chequered Microfibre Yoga Mat from MoveActive. There’s a lot to love about this one beyond its bold, clean style — the microfibre surface is ultra grippy, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. It also comes with a handy carry strap in case you want to take your yoga outside when the weather cools back down.
Practice Pilates
Like yoga, Pilates was practically made to be done indoors — it’s higher impact and will work up a sweat but doesn’t require loads of space. Really, any place where you can lay out a yoga mat, you can do Pilates.
Pilates is a full-body workout, which looks easy but can be surprisingly difficult since it puts so many different muscle groups through their paces. You can start with just a yoga mat and online tutorial, but as you improve, it would be useful to introduce a handful of small props to get stronger, find the right muscle groups and stretch further.
Big W offers a 15-piece Everfit Pilates Ring Set with a bunch of basic props to get you started. This set also comes in purple.
Those who really know Pilates is for them might want to consider the Pilates Starter Set or Pilates Ultimate Set from MoveActive. They’re a little pricier but come with several high-quality props to give your space that pro-level Pilates studio edge.
Grip socks are also a must-have for high-level Pilates workouts, but they don’t need to be plain. MoveActive has just released its Halloween collection featuring a whole haunting of ridiculously cute grip socks. That includes pumpkin embroidery, glittery ghosts and adorable cats.
If spooky scary skeletons aren’t your thing, don’t worry — there are enough grip socks for everyone, from the simple and stylish colours of the Essentials collection to the bold prints of the Wild Spots range or funky food-themed Girl Dinner collection.
Personally, I think you can’t go wrong with the classics — these iconic and long-lasting Scrunch Grip Socks come in a variety of colours, including chocolate, charcoal, denim blue and pink.
Weigh up the benefits
Strength training may require a lot of equipment when you do it at the gym, but it’s surprisingly easy to adapt to a home workout routine, especially if you’re looking to maintain ability rather than become a bodybuilder.
Dumbbells are the easiest place to start with weight training, since they’re versatile and easy to store when not in use. They also come in a wide range of weights to suit different ability levels.
If it’s been a while since you’ve lifted anything heavier than a phone, you’ll want to start small and work your way up. A set like this Xpeed 15kg PVC Dumbbell Set and Rack is perfect for growing your strength bit by bit.
Once you’re lifting 5kg and above, you can start with adjustable dumbbells and easily tweak each workout to your current goals. This Fitness Master 80kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set lets you quickly adjust the lifting weight up to 40kg per hand and its compact design makes it easy to store.
