During Nebraska winters, it’s no surprise that most people prefer to stay active indoors. With snow, slush, and salt or sand covering most sidewalks, outdoor exercise is out of the question most days anyway. But don’t use winter weather conditions as an excuse to not get your exercise.
Staying active is essential to keeping that spine of yours happy and healthy. Physical activity helps stimulate healing in the spine. It causes the discs in your spine to swell with water and then squeeze out. This process exchanges nutrients between the discs and the rest of your spine. When you aren’t regularly active, your spinal discs are deprived of the nutrients they need to function properly.
Keep reading for a few of our favorite ways to stay active indoors this winter!
Hit the treadmill
Don’t worry, you don’t have to run on the treadmill to reap the benefits. Simply walking at a faster pace than you would normally walk is a great form of low-impact aerobic exercise. Plus, it’s less jarring than jogging, meaning it’s better for your spine and joints.
Try out a stationary bike
Stationary bikes were designed to simulate the motion of a bike without any unnecessary impact from riding over uneven ground. If you’re prone to back pain, opt to use a stationary bike with a backrest. Not motivated to work out on your own? Many fitness centers offer guided cycling classes for all levels.
Stay active indoors on an elliptical
Ellipticals are designed to mimic the motion of jogging without the impact. Your feet rest on foot pedals that never touch the ground, making this an ideal exercise for those with stiff joints. Ellipticals also offer various resistance levels, so you can increase your level of intensity as needed.
Practice yoga at home
Yoga is a great way to stay active indoors and doesn’t require any equipment. Yoga is one of the only workouts that emphasizes stretching, strength, and flexibility. If you’re new to yoga, there are plenty of beginner YouTube tutorials to follow along with or we recommend trying these 9 yoga poses.
We hope these tips to stay active indoors have proven helpful. Please remember to consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.
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