“Safeguard your Home Workout: A Look into the Pitfalls of Improvised Fitness Equipment”
by Nadia Sinclair

It takes more than sheer determination to maintain a healthy body. For the conscious, health-oriented women confined to their homes amid lockdown, being resourceful became a necessity. Surprisingly, a whopping 32 percent of these women found various household objects to channel their fitness fervor. From paint cans and food tins to garden ornaments, the home-gym repertoire was as varied as it was inventive.

However, an unexpected outcome in the wake of these homebound workouts was a rise in self-inflicted injuries and misadventures. Around 12% of these health-conscious exercisers reported injuries, not only to themselves, but also to their homes, mostly due to this makeshift fitness gear.

Clubbed under the ten most ingenious fitness tools were chairs, sofas, canned food, towels, books, bags of flour, paint cans and even wine bottles! The wave of domestic workouts, apart from giving birth to these unique fitness items, led to an alarming rise in home damages and casualties.

Ceilings under Siege

One of the more amusing incidents involved a beleaguered skyward ceiling, a casualty of the vigorous workouts from the floor above. This story struck a chord with many, as a substantial number – 25% in fact, reported marks, scuffs, even dents caused by homemade exercise equipment. The onslaught didn’t stop there, with 19% reporting damaged and stained furniture and flooring, and another 21% lamenting over broken gadgets like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

Alarmingly, these workouts also saw their fair share of human injuries. The reported injuries ranged from pulled muscles, sprained wrists and ankles, to, shockingly, some instances of broken bones.

Exercising with Caution

While workout convenience seems to be driving this home fitness trend, the precautionary measures that follow should not be undermined. If you are a part of this trend, make sure you have ample space around you, preferably on a non-slip mat, wearing supportive footwear. Adequate distance from children and pets, especially around weights and dumbbells, is a must. Moreover, in keeping with good fitness practices, always remember to warm-up and cool down before and after your exercise routine.

So, while the need of the hour might have brought us to our living rooms for our workouts, let’s do so responsibly and ensure we don’t compromise safety for convenience. Happy guarding and exercising!

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