Tips on how to avoid becoming a couch potato

Gulf Today Report

Physical well-being has taken a backseat while we work from home and practice self-isolation. Global fitness tracker Fitbit has reported a steep decline in people's activity levels measured in daily steps, in late March.

"Amid the nationwide lockdown, while a number of citizens are working from their living room couches to the comfort of their beds, some are hooked on to their television or smartphone screens, inevitably turning themselves into couch potatoes."

"Being physically active is of supreme importance in the current times; it not only aids in the overall well well-being of a person but also acts as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety and other psychological constraints," Dr Raghavendra KS, consultant, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan and Mulund said.

As unhealthy as it sounds, being a couch potato for over three weeks could further develop into an unhealthy daily and lifelong habit, with severe consequences such as increased risk of obesity, heart disease, etc.

A woman exercises at home due to restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Sydney.

As per the doctor, a light workout for 45 minutes in the morning or evening is highly recommended to boost activity imbalance, regulate blood sugar levels as well as to increase blood flow to the body and the brain.

Here are some easy-to-do home workouts to stay fit, healthy and get you off the couch. Before you perform any form of exercise, it is important to warm up and stretch your body in moderation to avoid injuries.

Jumping Jacks
While standing with your legs placed together and your hands at the side slowly bend your knees and jump raising your hands in the air. As you set your hands high, spread your legs outward, in-line with your shoulders. Come back to the starting position and repeat 20 times.

Spot-High Knees
This is simply running in the same spot. A Cardio intensive form of exercise, if you are unable to perform at a fast pace, place your palms at your abdomen and lift each knee simultaneously touching your open palms. Perform for 2 minutes.

Assisted Squats
Place a chair against a wall. In an upright position spread your legs out to shoulder width. As you bend your knees outward, hinge at your hips and move downwards till your buttocks touch the chair. Return slowly to standing position. Perform 3 sets of 15 repetitions each.

A Sydney resident uses a guided skateboard Pilates class found online to exercise inside her home.

Push-Up/Assisted Push-Ups
If you are unable to perform a full push-up, gently place your hand on the wall or on a table, shoulder width apart. Bend your shoulders to a 90degree angle and lower your body. As your elbows aligns at the shoulder level, push back to starting position. Perform 3 sets of 15 repetitions each.

Glute Bridge
Lie flat on your back. Pull your knees back to 90 degrees with your feet flat on the ground and your legs parallel to the shoulders. Press through heels and elevate your hips faced to the ceiling. Squeeze your glutes at the top and slowly lower yourself to the starting position. Repeat 15 times for a set of 3.

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Bird Dog
Place your hands and knees on the ground. With your back and neck aligned straight, extend the left hand forward along with your right leg behind you. Hold the stretch for 5 second and return to the stationary position. Repeat 10 times and then alternate the arm and leg.

You may switch up your exercise routine as per your convenience. Yoga, other light body weight exercises, Pilates are other options may be considered. It is also important to keep yourself well hydrated before, during and after your workouts.