Create A Home Workout Space With These 5 Summer Exercises By Ayesha Billimoria

With the summer season in full swing and high temperatures raging throughout the day, it is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle now more than ever. With the #HealthySummerWithActivLiving campaign, let your mental and physical well-being take precedence over heat-induced lifestyle conditions.

Summer is already here and people often take this season as an excuse to not work out. But don’t worry! We will show you easy ways to stay fit and make your home your fitness partner this summer. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Benefits of exercise
• 5 Summer exercises to stay fit

Benefits of exercise

Being active and exercising daily has various benefits:

Physical benefits

Regular exercise lowers blood pressure and maintains cardiovascular fitness, lowering the risk of heart diseases. It improves insulin sensitivity, thus lowering blood sugar levels. Lack of exercise can increase belly fat, which ultimately leads to type 2 diabetes. Exercising can help in strengthening bones with the possibility of preventing osteoporosis later in life. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important in preventing obesity. It keeps your weight in control.

Mental benefits

Workouts release endorphins, that reduces stress, anxiety, and the risk of depression. It boosts your confidence and self-esteem and releases proteins and chemicals that improve the functioning of your brain.

5 Summer exercises to stay fit at home

Due to the second wave of COVID-19 and the resultant lockdown, we are all homebound. So, make the most of this time to stay fit at home. Break a sweat with these 5 summer exercises recommended by our Summer Fitness Expert Ayesha Billimoria. 

Ayesha Billimoria is a three-time national champion (2001–2003) in 200 metres. She has represented Maharashtra for 17 consecutive years and has held several national and state titles, along with being named the ‘Fastest Girl in India’ in her teens. Take a look at a few exercises for Active Living in Summer that you can do from the comfort of your home.

1.Elevated Push-ups

The elevated pushup position raises the feet above the body. Therefore, more strength is required to get into the plank position. Challenge your core by keeping your legs elevated. This exercise works your shoulders, triceps and upper back.

2.Chair Lunges

Chair lunges target your arms, shoulders and legs. Hold a light-weighted chair easily available at home, take a medium to long step backwards and slowly lower yourself until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Perform the same exercise on the other leg.

3.Stairs running

Stairs running is one of the easiest cardiovascular exercises. Get 10,000 steps a day by doing this exercise in summer to stay fit. Here, the muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time, building strength and power. You can also follow workout videos on our Activ Health App and you will be rewarded with ActivDayzTM for completing 10,000 steps in a day. This, in turn, can help you earn up to 100% HealthReturnsTM with the Activ Health Platinum-Enhanced plan. 

4.Mountain climbers

Drop into a plank position. Support your weight on your hands and toes, with your arms straight and your legs extended. Bring one knee toward your chest and return it to its starting position. Repeat the same with the other leg.

5.Jump squats

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Press your feet down, jump high and keep your weight in the heels of your feet. Drop into a squat position by allowing your knees to bend. Then jump again. Keep your core engaged and chest up.

Stay active at home, even if it’s summer. Stay tuned for more summer tips on fitness and nutrition on the Activ Living Blog. Stay healthy this summer #ABHIKaro