Losing weight and getting fit seems to be the goal of many people these days. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or money it takes for a gym membership. The good news is that you don’t need to go to the gym to get into shape – there are plenty of exercises you can do at home that’ll deliver the same results as those you’d get sweating your you-know-what off at the gym.
Check out the exercises below to shed pounds and firm up. Not only can you do them at home, but they also don’t require any special equipment!
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Before we get into the actual exercises, let’s start by saying there’s no shame in asking for help. Many people lack the motivation or willpower to stick with an exercise program. If you know this sounds like you, hiring a personal trainer isn’t such a bad idea.
A personal trainer can help you create a personalized workout plan, give you tips on diet and nutrition, and make sure you’re setting realistic goals and not overdoing it.
2. Squats
We can hear the groans already, but squats are an excellent exercise for the entire body. Begin by standing tall with your feet slightly farther than shoulder-width apart. Raise your arms straight out in front of you at shoulder level, palms facing down.
Tighten your abs, push your hips out behind you and lower your body as far as you can, bending at the knees. Pause a second or two, then return to a standing position. Do this repetition 15-20 times.
3. Incline Push-ups
The incline push-up is easier than its traditional counterpart, but it gives a decent workout just the same. Begin by placing your hands on a raised surface. An ottoman or bottom stair works well for this. Keeping your feet together and your back straight, lower your chest until your upper arms fall below your elbows. Push yourself back up to the starting position. Do this repetition 12-15 times.
4. Hip Raise
The hip raise seems easy, but you’ll know you did them correctly when your abdominal muscles and glutes let you know the next day. Grab yourself a yoga mat and lie down on your back, your arms out from your sides palms up. Place your feet together with knees bent.
Tighten your abs and glutes and raise your hips toward the ceiling. Keep your body straight and your abs tight. Hold the position for five seconds and then return to a flat position. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
5. Plank (Side)
You’ve probably seen the planking challenge on Facebook, but this exercise is no joke. It’s not as easy as it looks, but it will undoubtedly produce a mean, solid core.
Lie on the floor on your right side. Raise your upper body up on your right elbow and place your left hand on your left hip. Tighten your abdominal muscles as much as you can and raise your hips forming a straight line along the length of your body. Hold for 30 seconds then lower your body to the floor. Roll to your left side, repeat the positioning, holding again for 30 seconds.
Losing weight and getting into shape is something almost anyone can achieve, and you don’t need to head to the gym several times a week to do it. Simply do the easy exercises listed above at home to achieve nearly the same results without spending hundreds of dollars on a gym membership.