Exercise is the best RX for anyone and everyone. It is vital for health, a contributing factor to one’s physical, mental, and emotional being. The weight loss factor aside, it prevents sickness and joint pain; boosts the immune system; and helps reduce stress, anxiety, and the risk of cancer and the like.

The thing is, some consider working out to be a chore when it doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be. Exercise is not one-size-fits-all, and there is something for every skill level and situation. Luckily, with work-from-home life, getting a workout in without having to leave home is a possibility. Cannot stand running? Are you not into sports? Here are some exercises you might want to try out!

1. Hiking

Nothing beats getting outdoors, especially when it is bright out, and being one with nature. If you are an adventurer and love outdoor life, go and trade one of your indoor workouts for a hike. Hiking is the perfect all-in-one workout. It helps keep you in tip top shape, all the while being fun and challenging. You get to see some killer views as well, the perfect distraction, and breathe in much needed fresh air.

Another factor to keep in mind? You do not have to be skilled to do it. There are various trails to hike and you will feel stronger the more frequently you go.

2. Walking

Not down for rigorous activities like running or sports? That is perfectly okay. Go for a walk instead! It is the most underrated low-intensity workout that helps keep you in shape without straining your joints.

Walking is as beneficial as cardio and improves health-related aspects like blood sugar and pressure, reducing mental health symptoms, and aids in better breathing. Another perk? It is 100% free, and you can do it anywhere — inside your house or at a park by yourself or with friends.

Go about it as you would any exercise and slowly implement it as the days pass. Start with a 20-30 minute early morning walk for much-needed sunshine. You could use the light, which also sets the body’s inner clock. Come mid-afternoon, take another 20-30 minute walk (if possible) to de-stress and unwind from the hustle and bustle. Finally, end the day with another, albeit shorter, walk to lower your blood sugar and aid in post-dinner digestion. It also contributes to better sleep and weight management.

3. Dancing

Dancing is a go-to exercise for those of you who want to work out while having fun. There is a reason why dancers are strong and have killer figures and sharp memories. This workout requires focus because learning choreography (and occasionally) proper technique helps with brain activity and plays a part in physical health.

Dancing is a form of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, which is the best for overall fitness. Oxygen increases during movements like pirouettes, jetes, and twirls. These jumps and turns contribute to aerobic exercise because they require oxygen. The anaerobic exercises, on the other hand, are short yet intense. Squats and standing on pointe are perfect examples because dancers hold them for long periods.

Try out a ballet class if you want to improve your flexibility, or maybe hip-hop or contemporary if becoming more artistic and interpretive is your goal. The thing with dance is there are various styles to choose from, and you do not have to be the most skilled to try it out.

4. Yoga

Looking to get toned and improve your flexibility and posture? Yoga may be the exercise for you. It incorporates strength training and stretching — the foundations for preventing injuries, improvement in flexibility, proper breathing, and core strength. Think of it as the perfect pre and post-workout activity, your warm-up, and cool-down in one.

Another benefit? Regular practice leads to better heart health and helps relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and control diabetes. Get on your mat and try out a Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or basic flow class ASAP! It’ll do your mind and body good.

5. Biking/Cycle

Any form of exercise is better than none at all! If you are looking to get in your daily workout, spend more time outdoors, and need a planet-friendly mode of transportation in one, look no further. A bike ride is your best bet.

Whether you’re taking indoor cycling (Peloton or SoulCycle) classes or biking outdoors doesn’t matter. Biking/cycling is a non-impact aerobic workout that improves heart and bone health, builds lower body strength, and tightens your core.

It‘s the perfect choice for those who aren’t fans of high-impact workouts because it doesn’t strain the joints. However, just because you’re sitting doesn’t make you inactive. The amount of calories burned during a bike ride depends on several factors: weight and energy exerted, time and distance. The longer the duration of your bike ride, the more calories you burn.

6. Swimming

Some prefer being in the water. It’s why in-the-water activities like kayaking, rowing, and surfing have become extremely popular nowadays. If you’re after something less strenuous that simultaneously strengthens and helps with weight loss, get in the pool and start doing those laps.

Swimming is another fun, low-impact full-body workout. It’s the best of both worlds, providing cardiovascular and resistance training benefits. Also, unlike sports and running, you won’t have to worry about possible injuries because it helps soothe your muscles.

In addition to that, it’s the perfect complimentary workout to running and contact sports because it builds endurance. The body uses more oxygen during endurance training, and swimming helps you reach farther distances more smartly and efficiently.

Let 2022 be the year you stop thinking of workouts as a chore. Staying fit is vital for one’s overall health. Exercise isn’t one-size-fits-all, and there are various ones to try out. Prioritize your physical health and get moving!