During the monsoon season, when the rain keeps pouring, we often find ourselves extending our couch time with the thought, "Let's just rest for a bit." However, spending too much time indoors can lead to a drop in our metabolism, potentially signaling trouble for blood sugar and blood pressure control. That's why today, we'll explore indoor walking, a recommended exercise for the rainy season.

Benefits of Indoor Walking

Indoor walking, the top exercise recommended by specialists for the rainy season, can burn approximately 150-200 kcal in 30 minutes with proper form, depending on your weight and intensity. This is comparable to light jogging or brisk walking. So, shall we look at ways to make your indoor walking even more effective?

Three Ways to Boost Effectiveness

• Try the High Knees move. Lifting your knees to hip height intensely contracts your lower abdominal muscles, increasing calorie burn.
• Bend your elbows at 90 degrees and swing them back and forth. Engaging your upper body and back muscles simultaneously provides a full-body workout effect.
• Be mindful not to walk barefoot. It can strain your plantar fascia and knees, so it's advisable to use a yoga mat or wear indoor athletic shoes.

Safety and Advantages of Indoor Walking

While outdoor walking primarily uses your glutes and hamstrings by pushing off the ground, indoor walking requires you to lift your legs, focusing on your quadriceps and core abdominal muscles. Furthermore, the impact on your joints is less than walking on hard asphalt, making it safer for the elderly, especially those with knee arthritis or who are overweight.

Health Management Through Indoor Walking

A specialist from the Cardiovascular Center at On Hospital in Busan emphasized, "Indoor walking is an effective aerobic exercise that appropriately raises heart rate without equipment, strengthening the heart muscle and maintaining vascular elasticity." While options for indoor exercise are limited during the monsoon, there are many ways to maintain your health through indoor walking. So, on rainy days, don't just lie on the couch; take time to walk energetically in place!

There are many ways to stay healthy even during the rainy season. Try to keep both your body and mind healthy with the indoor walking method introduced today!