If you’re looking for an easy way to stay in shape and get healthy, consider starting a home workout routine. Home workouts can be done at any time, and they don’t require much equipment or space – all you really need is yourself!
Home workouts also have the advantage of being cheaper than gym memberships.
Getting started is easy – just find some simple exercises that work different muscle groups from head-to-toe, then do them two or three times a week until you feel comfortable enough to increase your frequency or try new moves. Read on to find out how to get started.
Types Of Exercise
Different exercises work many different muscle groups, so it’s a good idea to choose a number of different types of exercise and try them out. The following are just a few ideas:
Cardio
Cardio is an excellent way to get your heart pumping while strengthening your leg muscles. Try running in place or sprinting down the block.
Sadly, cardio is often thought of as boring. If you’re looking for something with more variety – like dancing – then try adding some spice to your usual routine with these ideas:
Add music or another person
If you run in place with headphones on, you might find yourself subconsciously nodding along to the beat. Or, if you play music while you work out, try adding some dance moves to your routine. You can also get a workout buddy and do the same thing! Add layers.
Running outside in the winter is very different from running inside on a treadmill – so if you’re sick of the same old run around the block, switch it up with another layer or two. Running outside in the summer is a lot different from running inside on a treadmill, so try that too.
Mix up your route. If you’re used to running around the block to nowhere in particular, change things up by going somewhere concrete. For example, run laps around the local high school track or stadium steps.
Create your own routine
If you’re bored with the same old workout routine, create your own! For example, try doing jumping jacks during commercials or running in place while watching a movie. Not only will this make your exercise more interesting, but it’ll also help you stay active for longer.
Stretching
Stretching is a great way to loosen up your muscles before or after a workout. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to do some gentle stretching on days when you don’t plan on exercising. For example, try sitting down at the end of your daily commute and touching your toes. If that’s too hard, then stretch while standing instead!
You can also use this time to warm up your body by doing jumping jacks or basic stretches. The following are some other exercises you might want to try:
Scissors
Stand straight, then reach one arm overhead while reaching the opposite leg across your body. After holding this stretch for a few seconds, switch sides. Stretch out. From a standing position, bend forward and touch both feet at the same time. If you can’t, try doing this stretch while sitting on a chair or couch and reach down towards your toes instead.
Warm up
Warm-up your body by doing easy stretches such as touching your toes, standing with one leg bent behind you and reaching for that foot with the opposite hand, or doing squats or lunges. Stretching after a workout is also important because it helps prevent injury and sore muscles.
Strength Training
Though cardio is great for strengthening your heart, you can’t beat strength training when it comes to building muscle tone. If you’re new to this type of exercise, then try starting with push-ups.
To do a push-up, lie face down on the ground with your hands under your shoulders and your feet together. Then lift up onto your toes while keeping your back straight. After holding this position for a few seconds, lower yourself back to the floor and repeat as many times as you can.
After building up enough strength for a few push-ups, try adding a weight vest or hand weights to make this exercise harder. If you don’t have weights, try doing your push-ups on your knees instead of your toes.
Strength training is an excellent way to build muscle and increase endurance. It also burns calories, so it’s a great addition to any home workout routine. To make strength training even more effective, raise your arms over your head during push-ups or try turn your chest towards the ceiling when doing crunches.
Core Training
If you do ab workouts at home, it’s very important to focus on strengthening the entire core area – not just the abs. This includes your upper and lower back, as well as your hips and glutes.
To build up your core, try doing the following exercises:
Pushups from a plank position
Lay face down on the ground with your hands under your shoulders and feet together. Keep your back straight as you lift up onto your toes. Hold this position for a few seconds, then lower yourself back to the floor and repeat.
Pushups from a raised position
Instead of doing pushups on your toes, try lowering down from a standing or elevated position. This will make the exercise more challenging but also improve your stability in different positions. For example, stand in front of a table with one foot in front of the other and perform pushups with your hands on the table instead of under your shoulders.
Tricep dips
Using a sturdy chair or couch, bend at the elbow and place one hand behind you. The other should be holding the front of your body as you try to lift yourself up using your arms. Try doing this exercise for about fifteen minutes, and you’ll start seeing results quickly.
Crunches
Lie on your back with your hands behind the small of your back, then raise yourself up into a sitting position while keeping your legs at about 45 degrees. Repeat for as many crunches as you can manage.
Conclusion
Once you’ve gotten familiar with these three fitness routines, try adding one or two more exercises to your daily workout. You’ll start seeing results in no time!