Most popular exercises of 2021

After 2020 became (in) famous for being associated with the global pandemic, 2021 followed in its steps with the second and a more fatal wave of the same. The pandemic claimed several lives, clearly highlighting how fragile life is. The two years brought the world to a halt and made everyone realize the importance of health. Having a healthy body and mind can be priceless and cannot be taken away from you unlike wealth and riches. Eating well and exercising regularly are the principal and most basic steps to be taken towards a healthy and disease free lifestyle. With people locked up inside their homes and striving for healthier lifestyles, new exercise trends came into existence and became prevalent throughout the year.

2021 saw a large number of young deaths that took place because of heart attacks which was a matter of concern and forced us to look into what was wrong with the way we lived. Since 2020 inflicted upon us, a series of lockdowns and other restrictions including closed gyms and fitness centres, 2021 saw an increase in outdoor activities.

Here are some of the most popular outdoor exercises that people did in 2021.

A great way of keeping oneself active, fit and going, running was seen as the most preferred form of outdoor activity that people chose to do keep themselves healthy. Running not only is a great form of aerobic exercise that helps breathing, heart rate and stamina but it is also a great form of cardio-vascular workout and helps maintain heart health.

It has often been said that brisk walking is much better than running. As a form of exercise that puts pressure on the calves, brisk walking is much more effective since the feet remain in contact with the ground for a considerably longer period of time. Brisk walking also strikes a balance in the heart rate and breathing rhythm, thereby proving to be a great exercise overall.

A long walk along the trails of nature or on long, winding roads is known as hiking. Mostly a holiday activity, hiking gained popularity as a physical activity in 2021 and was taken up by people in the very places they lived in. People found coming in contact with the outdoor surroundings, establishing a connection with nature and walking for long distances, together to be a great form of relaxation and rejuvenation for the body and the mind.

Let us all address the elephant in the room, COVID-19 affected the lungs the most and the second wave in particular, saw an unprecedented oxygen shortage that claimed several lives. Breathing exercises to minimise damage in cases of emergency include proning, deep breathing and others that were used to stabilize people whose oxygen levels fell drastically leading to loss of lives or severe lung damage. Here are some exercises that gained popularity in 2021

An excellent exercise that helps with the lung capacity, this form of breathing also strengthens diaphragmic muscle. Breathing in through the nose and breathing out through the mouth with a hand or light weight on the stomach is how this exercise is done. Each time you breathe in, make sure that the inhalation is better than the previous time.

Improving cardio vascular function and lowering heart rate, alternate nostril breathing is a great exercise that helps the lungs and the heart.

Lift up your right hand toward your nose, pressing your first and middle fingers down toward your palm and leaving your other fingers extended. After an exhale, use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril. Inhale through your left nostril and then close your left nostril with your right pinky and ring fingers. Release your thumb and exhale out through your right nostril. Inhale through your right nostril and then close this nostril. Release your fingers to open your left nostril and exhale through this side. This is one cycle. Repeat the cycle multiple times for up to five minutes and end with the left nostril.