Preetom Mukherjee-Roy points out that if you are used to a regular jogging or a brisk walking programme, you should also incorporate ‘cardiovascular’ activities in your daily indoor exercise programme. “This is because jogging, swimming, walking etc are cardiovascular activities, which work on the respiratory system and help to keep blood pressure, cholesterol etc in check, apart from controlling body weight,” he says, adding, “while freehand exercises help in the process of toning, firming and inch-loss, if your body is used to a cardiovascular routine, it shouldn’t suddenly be deprived of it.”

u If you are used to a one-hour jog every morning, you burn about 150 to 200 calories at one go, depending on your speed. A high-intensity one-hour jog or run may help you lose over 300 calories. If you spot-jog indoors for the same amount of time, with the same intensity, you burn the same number of calories. “It has nothing to do with whether you are indoors or outdoors.”

u The other form of cardiovascular activity which Mukherjee-Roy often suggests as an alternative to outdoor sports like jogging, swimming or walking, is dancing. “Just put on some catchy music and dance to your heart’s content.” The only problem with this form of indoor cardiovascular activity is that you’ll have so much fun, you might lose count of time ? or the calories you burn.