It’s all fun in the sun until the temperatures reach an unbearable high or the air quality index value is at an unhealthy level. But you don’t have to let the heat or air quality keep you from getting in your daily exercise. Being active indoors can sometimes feel like a chore, especially for kids, (the same kids who could run around for hours outside without getting tired.) The key to making sure they burn off that same amount of energy when they’re stuck inside is finding fun indoor exercises.

Here are some lists of exercise games and indoor activities to keep your family active and off the couch.

Indoor exercises with little to no equipment:

• Jumping Rope: Jumping rope for ten minutes straight is equivalent to thirty minutes of running.
• Planking: Start off by holding a plank for as long as you can. Try to add a few more seconds each day until you reach your goal.
• Cleaning: Two birds, one stone. Make “power cleaning” a family activity and you’ll end up with some calories burned and a cleaner house.
• Lunges: Lunge from one room to the next or up and down a hallway in your house for a great lower body burn. Adding weights or water bottles can add some difficulty once you’ve become a seasoned lunger.
• YouTube It: You can find a workout for any ability level, any duration, any target area you can dream of online. Once you find one you like, add it to a playlist so you can revisit it the next time you’re stuck inside.

Pieces of equipment to start with:

• Adjustable dumbbells
• Yoga mat
• Resistance bands
• Weighted jump rope
• Soft medicine ball
• Adjustable kettle bell
• Foam roller

Air Flow

Working out inside is a great alternative when the weather outside is inhospitable. But when you can’t crack the window, all that sweating and breathing can affect the quality of air in your home.

A dehumidifier is a must for any room designated for working out. With the humidity added from your breathing and sweating, the risk for mold growth increases and the room can get hotter and hotter. A single room or whole-home dehumidifier can relieve some of the workload from your air conditioner.

And because you want your family breathing quality air, it can be helpful to install an air purifier in your workout area. It can help with odors, too.

For more information on keeping the air in your home healthy and free of odors, visit our Healthy Home page. From ventilation to allergy reduction, we’ve got tips and strategies to solve the air issues in your home.