Skip the Gym! Workouts You Can Do At Home written by: Tonya Many people feel intimidated when they walk into a gym, especially if it’s one in a busy area. Not to mention just the process of getting up to go to the gym can feel like a chore. So, if you’re looking for a way to work out without the gym, then use your very own living room! You might be surprised at how easy it is to burn calories and get fit without having to get in the car first. Below you will find 10 workouts that can burn calories, build muscle and get your heart rate going.
1. Push Ups
This is one of the best exercises for building muscle in your upper body, but also for strengthening your core. In order to do pushups, start out on the floor with your hands holding you up (they should be directly under each of your shoulders). After this, raise your feet so that your entire body is being held up by your arms and legs. Then, bend your arms as far as you can go so that your body is being lowered, making sure to keep your back straight. Continue to do this for around 8-15 reps.
If this is too difficult for you, then do the same exercise, except on your knees. This will reduce the weight and should make it easier to bend down, but you should still be keeping your back as straight as possible.
2. Reverse Crunches
Start by lying down on your back with your knees bent and your arms spread out to each of your sides. From here, lift your legs up in the air and bend them at the knee. Then, lift your hips up and bring your knees in the direction of your head. Hold this for a couple of seconds and then slowly lower your legs back down. Repeat this for around 10 reps, but make sure to use control while you’re doing it.
3. Squats
Squats will help build muscle and they actually burn quite a few calories. To do these properly, bend your knees at 90 degree angles, making sure your knees are NOT bending over your feet. Straighten your back and hold your arms out straight in front of you. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then stand up straight again. Repeat this again, but try to do one minute instead of thirty seconds the next time.
Safety tip: If you have a hard time doing these, then bend only as far as you are comfortable. You can work your way up to deeper squats with time, so don’t push yourself too far the first time.
4. Dancing
One of the best workouts for the entire body is dancing! Fortunately this is something you can do in the comfort of your home with a radio or any other form of music that you have. Dancing around to a good song will burn a lot of calories without you even realizing it because you will be having so much fun! To burn the most calories possible, make sure you move your arms and legs as much as you can.
5. Scissor Kicks
Lie down on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs straight in front of you. From here, lift your legs so that they are several inches off of the ground, but still straight. To start the exercises, lift your left leg in the air and then lower it back down, alternating your right leg up in the air at the same time. Your alternating legs should resemble scissors while you’re doing the exercise. Repeat this for 30 reps to get the best workout.
6. Burpees
This exercise will work your entire body, so do it regularly to slim down! Start out by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, lower down into a push-up position and do a push-up. From here, quickly stand up and jump in the air. Clap your arms over your head and repeat for fifteen reps.