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15 Different Ways to Be Active at Home

How long has it been since you tried something new?

It’s recommended that adults do 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Starting with just 30 minutes a day will put you right in the middle of that range. But no one wants to spend half an hour a day slogging it out doing something they hate. You’ll get the most out of physical activities that you enjoy, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

Here are 15 ways to inspire you to stay active at home. Why not try a few each day, to keep it interesting? Below is a list of activities that will get your heart pumping and add a bit of fun into your schedule at the same time.

A young black man air guitars with the hoover whilst cleaning at home

Dancing – Draw the curtains, turn on some of your favourite tunes, let your hair down and get dancing. It will only take 8 songs for you to get your 30 minutes in, so make sure you choose your top tunes.

Dance classes – Ever tried swing dancing, hip hop or salsa? There are so many different styles to choose and you’ll be surprised by the number of free beginner videos available online.

Gardening – Great for both body and soul, it’s a truly rewarding and relaxing pursuit and can help burn calories too, whatever the weather.

Household chores – You don’t need to pick between your household chores and exercise, just pick a job and get moving and at pace. Vacuuming, sweeping and scrubbing will raise your heartrate and get your blood pumping.

Yoga – There are hundreds of free online videos available for all levels which combine a series of poses with breathing exercises. They’re great for building strength, flexibility and balance.

Tai Chi – This ancient Chinese art consists of slow and controlled movements to build strength flexibility and balance.

Pilates – Focus on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, strength and posture.

Barre – A new fitness trend inspired by yoga, ballet and pilates. Try a short 10-minute beginners’ online video and give it a go.

Asian old senior workout exercise and doing tai chi at home
A young woman in fitness gear runs up the stairs inside a building

Boxercise – Got some pent-up energy to release? Boxercise is a great cardio workout and lets out your daily frustrations at the same time.

Stairs – Climbing stairs is a great way to improve your core muscle strength and engages all the major muscle groups in your lower body.

Skipping rope – Skipping isn’t just for the playground, it’s a great aerobic exercise and just 10 minutes will see your heart rate rocket.

Childhood sports – Is there an activity you’ve always wanted to try as a child? Make a list of all the activities you thought would be cool to try – gymnastics, ballet or fencing and then pick one and find an online beginners’ tutorial.

Learn a musical instrument – Did you know that playing a musical instrument, such as the guitar or drums, can be a beneficial form of physical activity, as it uses a significant amount of energy?

Active games – Games night doesn’t need to mean sitting around, invest in some active games like Twister or Charades and get the whole family involved for a fun night in.

Video games – There are so many different ways to exercise with video games either on your own or with the family.

Two parents and a daughter have a pillow fight in the living room