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Premature White and Grey Hair in Kids
Salt and pepper hair can add a certain power to your appearance as you age. But when kids have white and grey strands of hair on their head, it is a problem. If you notice one or two grey strands on your child's head, it is fine, but if the grey area is more, you need to pay attention.
Premature greying does not have any ill effects in terms of the health of the child, but greying of hair may indicate some other problems in the body. It can also have a psychological effect on your child. Therefore, the best way to combat is to get to the root of the problem and take preventive measures from early on.
Causes of Premature White and Grey Hair in Kids
If you notice grey or white hair on your child’s head too often, most likely it will be because of a deficiency in his body. While there are many reasons for white hair in childhood, most can be treated and cured. A few of the most common causes of white hair in children are stated below.
1. Genetics
The most common cause of premature greying of hair in children is genetics. Simply put, if the parents or grandparents had a similar problem of premature greying of hair in their childhood, the children will also be at a higher risk of this condition. Early-onset of greying hair can be passed on hereditarily and is a major reason for premature greying of hair in children. Some other conditions acquired hereditarily include progeria, Werner syndrome, Rothmund-Thompson syndrome, etc.
2. Medical Conditions
Premature greying of hair in children may indicate something more serious. Loss of pigmentation of hair is a symptom of several disorders, like vitiligo and piebaldism. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of the skin and hair. When the melanocyte are unable to produce melanin in the skin, a person may suffer from vitiligo, which is characterized by white patches. Similarly, when the thyroid gland does not function properly, it results in an overactive or underactive condition. This condition occurs in different diseases like Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s disease, and also results in premature greying of the hair. However, it is not the only symptom in these cases; the child may also suffer from tumours, hearing loss, and seizures with the loss of hair colour.
3. Deficiency of Vitamin B12
A deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the body can also result in the premature greying of hair in children. Vitamin B12 is not found in enough quantities in a vegetarian diet, so children following a vegetarian diet are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
4. Stress
While not common, stress in children may also result in premature greying of their hair. However, here stress does not mean psychological stress. It is genotoxic stress, which is caused due to environmental factors.
5. Using Synthetic Soaps and Shampoos
We all know that the quality of hair products has degraded over the years. The hair care products we use today are not what they used to be some ten to fifteen years ago. The synthetic soaps and shampoos that children use today can make their hair rough and even cause greying of hair. As a parent, you must take care from early on, as adult shampoo can make a child’s hair rough and frizzy. You must use baby shampoo for your child, as it contains extracts of vitamins and minerals in it. You can also opt for herbal shampoos to wash your baby’s hair.
6. Exposure to Smoke
If a child is always exposed to smoke, it can result in premature greying of hair too. Passive smoking can also cause oxidative stress in your child’s body, and lower the production of melanin. Therefore, smoking near children should be avoided to prevent this from happening.
7. Eating Unhealthy Foods
With the fast-food culture in place, it is no wonder that premature greying is becoming more common in the modern world. Menkes hair syndrome and Kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition) can also cause premature greying of hair.
8. Anaemia
Iron deficiency can result in anaemia, which results in fatigue and whitening of the hair in children. Pernicious anaemia can also cause premature greying of hair in children.
Treatment for Premature White and Grey Hair in Children
There is no treatment or medication as such that will help treat premature greying of hair in children. The only treatment for greying of hair is eating nutritious foods. You should make sure that your child eats healthy foods. In most cases, the condition occurs as a result of improper nutrition. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 and minerals like copper and zinc in the body can also result in greying of hair but this can be controlled by means of vitamin supplements or by giving children healthy food. If the child is genetically inclined towards premature greying, you must pay attention. If greying of hair is a result of other conditions or syndromes, get those conditions treated, and premature greying of hair will reduce considerably.
Nutrients That Can Help Prevent Premature Greying of Hair
By including healthy foods in your child 's diet, you can prevent his hair from greying. Whatever you plan to feed your child, make sure it is packed with essential nutrients. Some important vitamins and minerals that prevent and stop premature greying are given below.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found in green vegetables and yellow fruits. This vitamin helps improve the health of the scalp and hair in general. It also ensures that the hair stays lustrous.
2. Vitamin B
Vitamin B 12 is vital for healthy hair. Vitamin B keeps the secretion of oil in control and keeps the hair healthy and soft for long. Vitamin B is found in yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflowers, and bananas. So make sure you include these foods in your child's diet.
3. Minerals
Iron, zinc, and copper are the most important minerals for healthy hair. These minerals will help retain the quality of your child's hair and lower premature greying of hair. Zinc is found in green vegetables, chicken and red meat, while the mineral iron is found in eggs, dried apricots, wheat, parsley, and sunflower seeds. To meet his copper requirements, include whole grain foods or seafood in his diet. All these minerals, if provided in adequate quantities, can prevent premature greying of hair.
4. Proteins
Protein maintains the shine of hair and improves its texture. Whole grains, soy, cereals, and meat are important sources of protein. So, add these protein-rich foods in your child's diet.
Home Remedies for Grey Hair
Greying of hair in children can be tackled with natural remedies. Here are a few things you can try at home if you are wondering how to stop premature greying of hair in children.
1. Amla and Coconut oil
Amla has Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can play a huge role in remedying the grey hair. Applying coconut oil on scalp preserves the pigment cells in hair follicles, which give the hair its natural colour. Coconut oil also moisturises the scalp and improves the strength of hair. For this remedy, boil amla and coconut oil together and massage your child's scalp with it.
2. Amla Juice and Almond Oil
Almond oil also contains Vitamin E, which is another nutrient that plays a key role in keeping the hair healthy. It also reverses the process of premature greying of hair. Mix almond oil and amla juice in equal amounts and massage your child's scalp with this mixture for best results.
3. Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil
Curry leaves are also known to reverse the process of greying of hair. Curry leaves can help boost the production of melanin, which gives the hair its natural colour. For this remedy, boil the leaves in coconut oil till they turn black. Then apply the oil on your child's hair to prevent premature whitening of hair.
4. Ghee (Cow's Milk)
Ghee is packed with enzymes that retain the shine of the hair and also strengthen the roots to a great extent. Apply ghee twice a week, and leave it on for an hour for best results.
5. Almond Oil and Sesame Seeds
Blend almond oil and sesame seeds in a blender and apply this mixture on your child's scalp and massage for about 20 minutes. Let it sit for another 20 minutes and wash it off with a herbal shampoo and lukewarm water.
These home remedies are extremely effective but do not take any chances. Try these remedies once you have your doctor's approval.
Precautionary Tips
Stated below are a few precautionary tips that you should follow if your child has grey hair.
Do not wash your child's hair with hot water. Hot water can destroy melanocytes, which assist in the production of melanin.
Another cause of premature greying is overexposure to UV Rays. So make sure your child doesn't spend too much time basking in the sun.
If you notice any grey or white strand of hair on your child's scalp, do not pluck it.
Ensure that your child's iodine intake is adequate. He should consume it in moderation - too much or too less of it can affect the thyroid gland and result in premature greying of hair.
Premature greying affects many children. However, it can easily be controlled using home remedies and controlling the diet of your child. So, try these home remedies after consulting with a doctor.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Head Lice in Kids Read more
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33 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect
You are 33 weeks pregnant; the baby is almost on his way and there are only a few more weeks of struggling with diets, medical appointments and unpleasant changes in your body. The third trimester is a time for preparation for the delivery of the baby which will soon be upon you.
Your Baby's Growth during Pregnancy - Week 33
This is the final phase of your baby’s development. His organs, bones, and muscles are completely formed, and with a few ‘finishing touches’ he will be ready. Any remaining nails and hair have fully formed by now. Your placenta is still giving your baby his nutrients and oxygen but that isn’t stopping him from exercising his breathing abilities by drinking the amniotic fluid.
His brain is developing faster than ever, forming more and more connections between the neurons. Your baby has the ability to tell the difference between daytime and nighttime, syncing his sleep-wake cycle with your own. His immunity is stronger than ever, getting protective antibodies from your blood through the placenta.
What is the Baby’s Size
At 33 weeks pregnant the baby’s size should be around the size of a watermelon, measuring more than 42 cm from top to toe. With a weight of over 2 kg, his bones are strengthening while his skin fills in its wrinkles with baby fat except for the skull, which remains pliable so it can safely move through the birth canal. With the lack of space in the uterus, there will be fewer kicks than usual but you should still feel him squirming about.
Common Body Changes
You will experience several new body changes during pregnancy at 33 weeks.
Haemorrhoids
Perineal, anal or rectal bleeding might be due to haemorrhoids, or on rare occasions, a tear in the anal tissue. Ask your physiotherapist for a perineal massage. Your doctor may even prescribe some oral or topical medication to deal with the pain.
Varicose veins
The rising pressure on the lower body by your expanding womb can cause leg veins to enlarge and start throbbing. These are known as varicose veins. If they end up red and stiff, you might have clotting and need immediate medical attention.
Nipple discharge
Your nipples are producing yellowish liquid called colostrum, which is meant for the nutrition of the baby’s first few days. Your nipples will be leaking colostrum all through this week in preparation for your baby. Using absorbent pads inside your bra will prevent the stains from coming into view.
Insomnia
With the combination of all these symptoms, you will not be getting much sleep. Try not to work out or eat food too close to bedtime. Meditation and massages help as well.
Symptoms of Pregnancy at Week 33
The 33rd week is going to be pretty challenging. However, staying aware of any pains or discomfort and knowing remedies for them will help you get through them quickly enough.
Trouble breathing
The swollen uterus is simply not allowing your lungs to expand enough to take in as much air as you would like. Avoid strenuous activity like running, lifting weights, climbing weights, and so on.
Clumsiness
Your increased mass is going to impact your sense of balance, making you clumsier than before. Wear comfortable shoes with flat soles so you can keep some of your balance, at least at home.
Increased metabolic rate
Your body is going to start overheating as it tries to keep up with your increasing energy requirements. Warm skin is the only side effect, and it will pass sooner or later.
Headaches
Lack of hydration can cause your head to spin and throb. Drink minimum 3 liters of water a day, even if it means running to the bathroom every twenty minutes.
Belly at 33 Weeks of Pregnancy
This week you will likely be 10-15 kg heavier than normal, more if you’re carrying twins. Your belly is touching 35-38 cm at this point, so keep the salves handy for any cracked or dry skin. Polyhydramnios, a condition resulting from the increase in amniotic fluid volume, usually shows up around this time. So if your weight has increased more than usual, ask your doctor for advice.
33 Weeks Ultrasound
An ultrasound this week would show you that your baby can open and close his eyes depending on whether he is awake. Baby’s bones are becoming stronger, in addition to his fully developed organ systems. You might want to consider doing a biophysical profile with your ultrasound if you have any risk factors that might lead to complications.
The ultrasound scan will show:
The physical shape and tone of the baby. The doctor will test for any issues with mobility, especially in the limbs.
The volume of amniotic fluid, as higher or lower amounts can create a problematic pregnancy that could result in premature birth or stillbirth.
Foetal breathing motions are tested to make sure they are regular and normal.
What to Eat
Your 33rd week pregnancy food has to include a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean white meats, eggs, dairy, and whole grains.
Consuming food rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid can help with the neural development of your child.
Research has shown that mothers who consumed fish and flaxseed oils have children who score higher than average on standardised tests. However, avoid fish tainted by mercury such as shark, swordfish, tuna, and mackerel.
Flaxseed is also an option for people who prefer a vegetarian source.
If your diet is incomplete due to budget, time or availability, ask your doctor for prenatal supplements.
Avoid all kinds of alcohol, as research has proven that every single kind has a deleterious effect on pregnancies.
Tips & Care
Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind during this period
Do's
You can attempt the different positions you could take during delivery. Some of them include getting down on your hands and knees, lying down, squatting, or using a birthing chair. Find the position most comfortable for you to ease your way through the contractions when they happen.
Haemorrhoids can cause a lot of pain and embarrassment, but staying hydrated and consuming enough fiber can alleviate the symptoms.
Don’ts
Don’t ignore any change in your baby’s movements. If he stops or slows his kicks and pushes, immediately notify your doctor so tests can be conducted to ascertain the problem.
Varicose veins are a common symptom of your second and third trimesters. Relieving them takes some effort, such as regular exercises like jogging and swimming. Avoid remaining in the same position for too long, even if it is sitting or lying down.
What You Need to Shop for
Breast pumps and bottles are the need of the hour. You might also do well to purchase some maternity clothes, nappies, baby clothing, and a crib for your baby to sleep in. Don’t forget to invest in a pram to move your baby around when you’re too tired to carry him.
At 33 weeks you are very close to delivery. It is best to stock on the essentials in order to avoid rushing once the baby is born.
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Oh Yes! 11 Ways for Women to Have the Best Orgasm
Orgasms have been giving both men and women sleepless nights, ever since humankind first discovered the ecstasy of coming together. While most men tend to have it rather easy, women usually have fewer orgasms than men. But if there is no pleasure, how is one to continue to engage in the act of sexual intercourse?
Why Do We Orgasm
Science usually has an explanation for most biological processes. However, orgasms have baffled scientists for a long time.
WATCH: The Science behind Orgasms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpc2NjUAtOY
Key Takeaway: Sexual intercourse has four broad stages: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. During an orgasm, blood flow to the genital area increases, and the nervous system sends positive, pleasure signals to the brain.The key hormones that play a role in orgasms are oxytocin and dopamine.
While we understand the science behind how orgasms actually happen, we do not quite know why. Many believe that animals evolved to 'orgasm' at the end of sex so that it would make them feel good. This mutual pleasing would then enable them to bond emotionally, and thereafter take care of the offspring when it was born. Another theory suggests that the good feeling animals get after they have orgasmed makes them want to have more sex, thus increasing the chances of the 'female' getting pregnant and giving birth to the next generation. So basically - orgasms make us feel good, have more sex, and thereby ensure the continuation of the species.
11 Tips to Orgasm Better and Longer
While further research is needed to find out which of the above reasons is true, one thing is for certain. It is orgasms that keep all animals going at it (not just men and women)! However, what’s disappointing are the stats on women orgasms.
According to a survey conducted by Cosmopolitan -
More than two-thirds of women have faked an orgasm at some point.
More than 70% women admitted that their partners don’t try to help them finish after they have themselves orgasmed.
For a majority of women, orgasms happen when they pleasure themselves with a hand or a toy.
Two things are obvious from the above stats – most women are faking it, but most women are managing it on their own. If a hand and toy can manage it, why can’t a man with the actual intended gear achieve it? If orgasms are so ‘o’-some, isn’t it important that we stop faking it and actually try making it happen?
Here are some ways to have a better orgasm that are bound to improve sexual gratification for you. Shall we get started ladies?
1. Indulge in foreplay.
A lot of men ignore this very important aspect of female orgasm. Many don’t give it its due importance. So if you are with such a man, you need to explain to him that foreplay is very important! At the same time, remember, he’s not the only one responsible for it! You can engage in some self-pleasing too.
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If your partner is focusing on your upper body, use your fingers to stimulate your clitoris. You can use a lube, or lick your finger before you begin. If your partner is already on second base, you can stimulate your nipples. Finally, doing things to your man can be as arousing as having things done to you! Don’t be shy my honey!
2. Experiment with new stuff.
There’s always a first time for most things. So when was the last time you tried something for the first time in bed? Most books and movies give the unusual stuff a bad name – be it tie-ups, blindfolds, or role-play. But it’s not bad at all! Remember – context decides everything… and if a couple is using these things to dial up the excitement, why not?
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If this is the first time you are doing something out of the box, consider using ice. Rubbing ice on different erogenous zones serves to excite the nerve endings present and can be really exciting. Another ‘food’ you can try is wine or warm chocolate.
If you feel confident enough to try something crazier, consider role-play. Some women find men in uniforms rather sexy, others have a huge crush on celebrities! Our sexual fantasies are nothing to be ashamed of, and the confines of your bedroom give you a safe space to actually explore and indulge in them! So why not order a sailor’s uniform for your man? Or maybe the exact outfit that Daniel Craig wore when he walked in for that last game in Casino Royale?
3. Change should be the only constant.
Kissy-kissy,
Titty-titty,
PUSSY,
Oh!
Does that sound like your story? You might benefit from mixing things up a bit then. Routine is the number one killer of intimacy and libido. You can experiment with positions, rhythm or tempo, and even other non-related things like the lighting of the room, music, etc. Sometimes taking your sex to the next 'room' (such as the living room, or the kitchen) can take it to the next level too! You can even consider booking a hotel room – a lot of people find hotel-rooms sexy!
Do This TONIGHT! - The missionary pose is perhaps the go-to pose for most couples. Here’s one way to modify the pose in order to intensify your orgasms! Simply raise your legs, and rest them on your partner’s shoulder. As the tempo of the sex builds and you come close to the climax, elevate your waist; ask your man to lift them, or use pillows to do the same. Done right, the pose should look like this -
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4. Supplement the act with lubes and toys.
Lubes ease things out. But it is absolutely false that lubes are meant only for sex toys and older women. Young couples too can use lubes, as they are formulated to give more intense orgasms than would be otherwise possible. The same goes for toys.
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While toys are a great way to pleasure yourself when your man is away, you can include them in the act too. Your man can then work on areas that the toy is not working on!
5. Delay gratification.
Think of orgasms as the climax of a horror movie – better the build-up of the story or plot, better the dialogues, better the music, higher the climax! Would Inception be fun if we knew what happened to the spinning top? Isn’t finding out Vidya Balan was never pregnant one of the highest points in the film Kahaani? See, delayed gratification always works! So indulge yourself and your partner before speeding up to the big-O!
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6. Watch dirty stuff.
A lot of women shy away from watching porn or erotica. They tend to think it is men’s stuff. But porn is made for both men and women!
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If you are not up to watching porn, you can consume it in other forms, like movies, books or short stories. Some of the movies you can add to your list of independent or co-watching are -
Kamasutra (this Rekha-starrer film is more than just about sex – it is also a very beautiful love story and a lot of usable gyaan)
Love (this less known, critically-acclaimed, much-debated Gaspar Noé film has a lot of unsimulated sex scenes that are downright sexy)
Horrible Bosses (Jennifer Aniston’s character is the quintessential man-eater that you can aspire to be!)
Fifty Shades Darker (the second instalment in the Fifty Shade Trilogy is less sadistic and sexist than the first one, and the sex scenes are juicier too!)
As for literary material, you can try this book series called ‘Letters to the Penthouse’.
7. Build it up through the day.
Offices can drain you out physically and mentally, so much so that when you get home, all you want to do is hit the bed – alone and 10 feet away from your partner! One way to get over this is to create a build-up of what’s coming tonight, through messages, voice-notes, phone calls, and (if you’re brave enough) pictures.
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Do This TONIGHT! - Get in the shower, run a bath, put your hands in your pants, and hit the Sound Recorder button! Make sure you stand far enough from the running water and hold the recorder closer to your mouth. Hearing the sound of the dripping water, and listening to you sigh and breathe heavy is bound to leave your husband wild! But don’t give in the moment he comes homes. Make him work for it! By the way, water-faucets aimed at the clitoris can work wonders and make women climax too!
Watch: The Art of Seduction | Seema Anand | TedxEaling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnS66SszwEs
Key Takeaway: The word ‘seduction’ has taken on all sorts of ugly and vulgar connotations. However, the arts of seduction –
as studied and built by Tantra – is about building up, optimising, and harnessing the power of the mind, the body, and the spirit,
in order to generate the ultimate power, which is sexual energy, and seduction includes a whole array of things, including -
Perfuming the body according to phases of the moon
Eating the right kinds of food before the act
Mastering close to 64 crafts and skills
8. Make food work.
Aphrodisiacs are substances that increase your libido. Yes, you can simply eat your way to a wonderful orgasm! A simple idea to get bigger, better orgasms is to snack on a few aphrodisiacs, like bananas, avocados, chocolates and almonds. Indian spices like nutmeg and cinnamon are also very potent aphrodisiacs. Stock up on them, and plan a sexy meal for you and your partner!
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9. Work out.
The importance of exercise cannot be stressed upon enough – and we’re not just talking about kegels. While kegel exercises make orgasms stronger, any exercise that increases your stamina and flexibility is going to bring you closer to the dream-like orgasm that everyone seems to be having in the movies!
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So weight-training and cardio are both equally important. However, did you know that yoga can improve sexual performance too? Many of the asanas help you build core strength, improve flexibility, loosen up a stiff body, and make you more – errr – accessible for your partner!
10. Pick the right condom.
Condoms can be real game changers. Unless you are trying to get pregnant, the right condom can really heighten your sexual pleasure! Depending on how sensitive you and your man are, you can switch between different condoms and figure which one gives you the most pleasure. Experiment with texture (dotted, ribbed, extra thin) and also brands.
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In fact, a lot of brands now manufacture condoms that are designed to enhance the experience for both the man and the woman. The design consideration for most of these condoms is to make them as thin and functional as practically possible, beyond which point companies coat the condom with lubricants (on the inside AND outside of the condom) so as to delay ejaculation in the man, and to make orgasms more intense for the woman. Pretty cool, huh?
11. Share your preferences.
If you want your partner to help you attain the very heights of your sexuality, you have got to show him how to scale the peak! You cannot just expect your man to know what to do, and you should not put up with things he does if they bring no pleasure to you. When they were asked what prevented them from having an orgasm, half of the women who participated in the Cosmopolitan survey mentioned before said, ‘I feel like I’m almost there but can’t quite get over the edge.’
So why not help your partner help you tide over?
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Do This TONIGHT! - While talking about these things in a separate conversation can be a bit difficult, you can simply convey what you want during the act.
Use your hands to guide your partner’s lips (or hands) to the correct places. Whisper instructions into your partner’s ears, but make it more of ‘I love it when you’ rather than ‘No I don’t like that’.
Make Periods Shorter with Orgasms
Periods are perhaps the one time when you want to be as far away from a ‘man’ as possible – you don’t want to think about sex, you don’t want to talk about it, and the only time you want to see your husband, is if he is holding some 20 chocolates in each hand!
However, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, scientists have discovered a rather unlikely fact that will make you want to give period sex a try!
According to this article, you can make your periods shorter by orgasming during period sex! The logic being – when you orgasm, your pelvic floor muscles (and especially the muscles of your uterus) contract strongly, expelling more period blood in one go… which means shorter periods!
Happy news, eh? But there’s more to period sex than just orgasming.
A lot of women confess to having tried period sex, and the benefits blew them away. Contrary to popular belief of the uninitiated, period sex can actually reduce period cramps. The massaging effect that your partner’s thrusting has on your cervix and vagina can actually ease cramps. However, make sure the sex is slow in tempo and not too intense. Read more
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Too Cold to Venture Out? Try These 10 At-home Workouts This Winter
When it’s chilly and frosty and you start shivering at the very thought of stepping outside your toasty home, how can you feel motivated enough to go for a run in your favourite park, or walking all the way to the gym down the road? While snuggling under the covers with at least 5 layers on will be the only thing you’d want to do, what about all that winter weight that’s going to catch up with you soon? So it’s too cold to step outside for your workout - make the best of the space at home for your daily exercises.
10 Simple Exercises You Can Do At Home to Burn the Winter Weight!
No sophisticated equipment, no need to cut out a major chunk of your schedule to work these in - here are some simple exercises you can try, especially if you’re a beginner!
For any major workout that you work up a sweat for, it’s important to note that warming up before and stretches afterwards are essential to avoid any risks of injuries. Jog or run in place or do a couple of stretches to work up a light sweat, and get to your exercises!
1. Press-ups or Push-ups
You won’t need any introduction to this exercise - you just need the floor and your able self! Multiple muscles are required for this exercise, so you’re sure to be giving yourself a good workout. Get into position by placing your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Ensure that your back is flat in this position. Balance yourself on your toes and start lowering your body slowly towards the floor; when you’re an inch away, push yourself up with enough force. Repeat, but remember to not go overboard with force! While there isn't an exact number that you need to follow (especially if you're a beginner), 3 sets of 10 reps would be great. However, this does depend on your stamina - increase or decrease depending on your ability.
2. Planks
Stay in the press-ups position for this one! For this exercise, you need to balance your weight on your forearms while still keeping your back flat. Your abs and glutes need to be firm, and the same goes for your hips - don’t let them sag while you hold this position. 30 seconds at a time should do for beginners, but if you’re able to stay in position for 120 seconds, you’re in good form for sure!
3. Getting in and Out of a Chair
Here’s a version of squats you will like! Grab a chair and simply repeat the process of sitting on it and getting up over and over. Several muscles get activated in this process; your tummy requires to be tightened each time you sit, and you will feel like you’ve worked out once you feel the burn in your limbs! Once you're done, sit back in the chair and relax!
4. Walking Up and Down the Stairs
The humble staircase stays in wait of the day you’ll finally ditch the elevator for it! Walk up and down a few flights of stairs within your building or your home to really work your legs and glutes. It’s important that you depend on the hand railing if you feel like you’re losing stability in your knees after a point. If you want to increase the intensity of your workout, you can also carry a heavy object with you while walking. Keeping at this exercise for 10 to 15 minutes daily will definitely help you burn plenty of calories - approximately 10 per upward flight of stairs!
5. Mock Jump-rope
Back to a school-day favourite, but without the rope (although, skipping rope is a great workout too)! All you have to do is stand on a firm surface and start jumping on the balls of your feet (lightly, and make sure your knees are bent softly). Mimic holding a skipping rope with a short rope length, such that you place your hands almost close to your armpits. Keep repeating till you work up a sweat. Jumping rope is also a great way to warm up before a big workout session. For beginners, start off with about 50 reps in 30 seconds. Perform 3 or 4 sets (with sufficient rest period in between) lasting for about 30 to 90 seconds. As you advance, you can increase the intensity and duration of the reps. If you do have a skipping rope, don't hesitate in using one!
6. Sitting Down and Standing Up
Sounds silly, right? Think again! Spread out a comfortable mat on the floor and simply sit down. Then stand up. Repeat, and speed it up! You’ll be surprised to find out how much you’re panting! Both these actions, while performed in succession and on repeat, require the muscles of your body to cooperate fully. It adds to your strength and actually prepares you for any gym exercises you’ll be planning in the future. 3 sets of 10 reps each (with sufficient rest periods between each set) would be apt for beginners.
7. Jumping Jacks
Stand with your arms at your sides, then jump with your feet out and your arms meeting over your head. Bring your feet back together and your arms at your sides again. Apart from being super convenient to do (you could break out into a set right now while reading this article too!), jumping jacks are a surefire way to burn some calories. Someone weighing 75-80 kilos can easily burn 30 calories with 250 jumping jacks - sure that sounds like a lot of work, but once you get to jumping, you realise that you’re doing more than you thought you would! Put in some effort to do it vigorously to really burn that fat!
8. Shadow Boxing
Fight off a pretend intruder and get a good workout out of it! Ball your fists, keep bouncing around on your toes, dip down to avoid an incoming attack, stretch out to administer a couple of punches, and just have loads of fun! Just make sure that your enthusiastic squeals and threats don’t confuse your neighbours at all!
9. Lower Back Curl
We often underestimate how much our back needs to be in shape - not just for appearance sake, but because our back is our sturdy pillar of support, and needs to stay that way! Work your back with this exercise - lie face-down on the floor with your arms by your sides. Raise your chest upwards slowly; arms down, head up! Lower yourself back down once you’ve reached the furthest you can go high. A couple of reps should do the trick, and relieve you of the back pain that winter can sometimes bring with it!
10. Household Chores
We almost take it for granted how simple chores, like washing the dishes, doing the laundry, sweeping the house, and so on, can actually help us lose weight! Done rigorously and daily, all these different tasks can easily help you burn over 100 calories per hour depending on the activity. Keep aside the automated cleaning aids for the time being; pick up that mop and sponge, and get to cleaning!
Working out at home in the winter is surely a better option than braving the cold outside just to satisfy your exercise quota! Now that you know you don’t need fancy equipment or loads of space to exercise, no more skipping workouts, just skipping rope - and other simple exercises!
Also Read:
Cardio Workout Songs for Cold Winter Mornings
Simple Exercises That Only Need 5 Minutes
Office Workout Moves You Can Do Right at Your Desk Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
7 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
15 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
13 mins ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
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