There are many reasons not to go to the gym: maybe you live far away from your nearest work out temple, or maybe you don’t feel comfortable exercising in front of others, or maybe you can’t be bothered to carry gym gear with you on your daily commute. As long as the reason isn’t sheer laziness, then this is the article for you! Here are six workouts that you can do in the comfort of your own home, no gym equipment required!
Jumping Jacks
Perhaps you know them as star jumps, but etymology aside, chances are you know exactly what these are all about. You jump on the spot while doing your best Patrick Starr impression.
What’s great about these is that they are efficient cardio, and they’ll get your body’s heart rate to work-out mode quite quickly. Plus, there are the obvious positives for the muscles in your legs; I’m not sure how much science there is behind this, but there are mumblings that jumping jacks are the exact time equivalent of going for a run outside (so five minutes of jacks is five minutes of jogging).
If you happen to have a skipping rope handy, that’s also a very good option.
Planking
It’s so simple, it’s silly, and the odd thing is that many people don’t know about it. Much like the social media craze from a few years ago, you lay flat on the floor and prop yourself up with your elbows. As if you were about to do a push-up, but you’re on your elbows instead. Hold that position for three sets of 30-60 seconds, and you’ll be well on your way to strengthening your abs.
Push Ups
Speaking of push ups: do them. They improve almost everything in your upper body: your pecs, triceps, anterior deltoids, your core… set yourself a pace and try to improve the number of push ups you do every week!
Side Planking
It’s planking, on your side! Essentially, you lie on your side, prop yourself up using your elbow and forearm while keeping your legs completely straight and parallel, and hold. These target your whole core, but are particularly effective at targetting your quadratus lumborum (QLs): that is to say, they should help out with your love handles.
Crunches
Sticking with your soft, hazelnut centre… sorry, I was thinking of Rochers, the bane of my anatomical centre. Another great work out for you core is crunches, which are actually more effective than sit-ups at building up your strength. Plus, when regular crunches tart getting to easy, lift your legs and fold them up in the air, holding them there. Do crunches like that and it’ll add to the intensity of the work out for your abs.
Squats
Squats are a great work out for your legs and your bum, so your important bits. What’s great about them is they’re simple enough to do and they do a lot. If you find yourself needing more of a challenge after building up some strength, jump squats will add to the intensity of the work out. And surprise, surprise, like everything else on this list, they also help out with your core. Who says you need the gym to get a flat belly?
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Jay Simon is a fitness geek who is prone to many addictions, one of which is Lynx Anti perspirant and its many delicious scents.