We don’t all have the time or money to invest in a gym membership, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the same results. Many exercises require minimal space and no equipment, which means you can do them in the comfort of your own home. When exercising at home, the one thing you need to make it work is self-discipline. It’s very easy to sit back and say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ so sort out a routine that suits you, and stick to it. NO EXCUSES.
1- Supermans
Who doesn’t want to be a superhero?! This is a simple but effective exercise to do, and you just need the space to lie down. Lie down on your stomach with your arms stretched out in front of you, and your legs extended with pointed toes. Raise your arms and legs, and hold the position for a few seconds. Repeat this as many times as you are comfortable with, but remember to rest between sets.
2- Push-ups with Single-leg Raise
This one is not for the faint-hearted, but it is incredibly effective. If you struggle with this exercise, you can stick to regular push-ups, but do try to work the leg-raise into it if you can; practice makes perfect! Get into position for a standard push-up, ensure that your back is straight and that your arms are in line with your shoulders. When you go down to the floor, lift one leg up at the same time, and then lower it back to the floor when you push up. Alternate legs each time you go down and remember to keep your back straight.
3- Squat Jumps
Squat Jumps raise your heart rate and use your entire body. Begin standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, and do a regular squat. Then use your core strength to jump up explosively. When you land, you should lower yourself back into the squat position. Try doing three sets of 10 to begin with.
4- Burpees
This is the mother of all exercises, and you either love them or hate them. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms by your side. Bend your knees and reach forward to put your hands on the floor. Simultaneously, you kick your legs out behind you and immediately lower your whole body. As soon as your body is straight, you bring your legs forward and return to the standing position. If you want to test yourself, you can add in a push up when you first get to the floor. If fat loss is your goal, the burpees need to be in your home routine.
5- Planking
This is an excellent workout for core strength, and it is simple to do. Laying on your front, you want to be holding your body up with a straight back, with only your forearms and toes touching the floor. If you plank every day, you will notice how much you improve in a short time. Start with 30 seconds and aim for 5 minutes- the results will surprise you!
