Its rainy season in Nigeria, love it or hate it, we all can do with some rainfall. This is the time that people need no motivation to hug their blanket and cuddle.
What is funny though, is that for the past 5 months people have been clamoring, crying and praying for rain. We were all tired of the dust, heat, dry leaves and the never ending brown.
Then, the rain came and there was a collective sigh of relief.
But, it’s not up to 1 month and I’m already hearing people complaining of how tired they are of the rain and how they wished it would stop and how the rain is making their lives miserable.
Farmers need it, my garden needs it, I’m getting tired of watering my mint and lovely herbs morning and evening, my grass needs it and my underground well needs a refill.
There are fruits everywhere, mango, avocado pear and vegetables and there’s a lovely burst of green color.
Rain can be fun but it can also be a deal breaker.
This is the time people start coming in late to gym or miss their workout. They prefer to hug their blankets and loved one because its soooo cold and for those who have recently discovered outdoor running and jogging, crawling out of that warm cocoon to embrace a cold weather can be a motivation breaker.
You don’t have to give up on your fitness because of the weather, there are some exercises you can still do at home to keep yourself fit.
But before the exercises, here are a few tips:
Get your coffee and tea stuff ready to go at night
The trick is that as you roll out of bed the things you need to perk you up is ready. All you have to do is get the hot water going and in a matter of minutes your tea or coffee is ready. You can also get your water in a flask and just pour into your cup to prepare your preferred morning drink.
Put the music on and have a dance party.
What’s your favorite music? Put it on and dance away. Dancing is an overlooked and underestimated calorie burning and full body workout that everyone enjoys. It doesn’t matter if you can’t dance just move your body to the beat.
As long as you don’t put on any music like Celine Dion’s ‘whatever it takes’ which will make you want to go back to bed, dance away
Bring out the jump rope
Make sure your ceiling is not low. Try different variation; one leg, jumping forward and side to side for a good workout.
Redecorate or remodel
Channel your energy in getting your house in order. All the stuff you’ve been planning to sort out, throw away or give some out; now is the time to do it.
And while you’re at it, you can also rearrange the furniture.
Here are 3 simple exercises you can do at home
Squat with touch down
Stand with feet together
Engage your core and jump up. Land in a squat and touch the floor with one hand and jump up again.
Do two sets of 10 reps.
Step up with rear leg lift
If you don’t have a stepper, use any elevated stable surface like a step. Stand with leg shoulder width apart. You can place your hand on your hips or keep them by your side. Step on to the stepper with your right leg and lift both hands to shoulder level in front of you. Raise your left leg as far behind you as possible without arching your back squeezing your glutes. Reverse to return to start. That’s one rep. Repeat on the left leg.
Do 30 reps
Single hand dumbbell raise
Stand with feet shoulder width apart
Hold your dumbbell with your right hand facing your thigh and your left hand on your hip.
Keep your back straight with your elbow close to your body
With a smooth and controlled movement lift your right arm straight out in front of you while keeping your upper body stationary
Extend the arm until it is straight out in front of you with the dumbbells just above your shoulder.
Then follow the same line coming back in a controlled movement.
Do 15 reps for each arm
Remember to warm up by marching in place and swinging your arms.
There’s joy in sharing. Share with friends who may be looking for exercise to do at home when the rain hits.
What do you do when the rain disrupts your training? Do you quit or find some indoor activity to get your fitness routine going? Comment below.