Let’s be honest, dragging yourself to the gym is not always fun. The membership is expensive, the music is terrible and it is invariably filled with other people. Most of us would much rather just stay at home, but we feel compelled to go to the gym for the sake of our physical fitness. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are hundreds of exercises you can do from the comfort of your home that will get you in shape. You don’t need any fancy equipment or machinery (although you might want to invest in a yoga mat), you just need the willpower to get up off the sofa and into your work out clothes.
If you are ready to take your fitness to the next level within the confines of your living room, here are seven exercises that will revolutionize your health.
Supermans
Lie on your front with your arms stretched straight above your head. Now lift your legs and arms a few inches off the ground, using your core to stabilize your spine. Keep your head facing the floor and hold the position for three seconds and then release.
Door-Handle Squats
This is one for those wanting a more ample booty. Close your door and grab hold of the door handle. Stand as far away from the door as you can whilst still holding the door handle (you will be facing the door). Now, with feet shoulder-width apart, go down into squat position and come back up. Repeat with the other arm holding the door handle.
Plank
This is an oldie but a goodie, the plank position works out a number of key areas in your body. Lie face down on the floor with your hands positioned flat on the floor on either side of your chest. Now push your body up so only your toes and hands are on the floor. Your body should be a completely straight line, like a plank of wood. Hold this for as long as you can.
Reverse Crunch
Lie on your back with your legs at 90 degrees to your body and your knees bent at a right angle. Place your arms straight out on either side of you so they form a straight line. Use your core to lift your lower back off the floor and then to lower it back down again. When you feel your abs burn, you’re doing it right.
Squat Jumps
If you thought squats were hard, you haven’t seen anything yet. With your feet shoulder-width apart, go into the squat position. When you come up, jump and lift both your feet completely off the ground. Land your jump back into the squat position.
Hip Bridge
Position yourself on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Push your bum off the floor and hold it as high as it will go whilst tensing your bum. Hold this position for a few seconds and then lower your bum back to the floor.
Push Up with Leg Raised
We all know how to do a push up, but if you want to take the exercise to the next level, try doing it with only one leg. Start with your hands and toes on the floor, then raise one leg. Now, bend your arms until your chest is just an inch off the floor and push back up. Remember to do sets on each leg.
