Maybe it is the sun, the expensive gym membership, or just our hectic lives � it can be easy to make up an excuse for not exercising at all. Nonetheless, we all need regular exercise, to make sure our cardiovascular fitness levels are at an optimum. As the saying goes, use it or lose it.
What if you could exercise right in the comfort of your own home, at your own time and at your own pace? That's right, you don't need any fancy equipment or sign up for any memberships. You just need the right amount of discipline, clear up some space in your living room or bedroom and voila!
Here are a few convenient workout options that you can get started:
The one-leg stand exercise is simply what it sounds like; standing on one leg and trying to maintain balance on that one single leg. Injuries can affect your natural balance and leave you feeling unsteady. We may also lose stability as a result of the ageing process.
This exercise engages your glutes and leg muscles while training your balance. The one-leg stand is a very effective exercise for improving balance. Did you know that the ability to stand on one leg is extremely important? When you are walking, you actually spend about 40% of your time with one foot on the ground while the other leg is in motion and taking the next step.
The one-leg stand exercise is a simple way to start improving your balance and it is easy to do so as part of your home exercise regime. It can also be modified to increase the difficulty level as your balance improves with time.
?Planking is basically an exercise that engages your core and improves your strength, balance, and endurance. It got its name because when done properly, the body is straight and rigid, like a piece of wooden plank. It does not require any fancy equipment and relies purely on our own body weight, making it extremely convenient and easy to execute.
Plank exercises help to build up your core muscles, and they only take a couple of minutes each time. The plank is one of the best exercises for core conditioning but it also works your glutes and hamstrings, while supporting proper posture and improving balance.
Swimming enthusiasts will also be pleased to know that planking is a great complementary exercise to develop muscles that swimming develops.
A burpee, or squat thrust, is a full-body exercise used in strength training and as an aerobic exercise. The basic movement is carried out in four steps and is commonly known as a four-count burpee.
The exercise was named after American physiologist Royal H. Burpee, who developed the Burpee test in the 1930s. The exercise gained popularity after the United States Armed Services adopted it to assess the fitness level of recruits when the United States got involved in World War II. Consisting of a series of exercises performed in rapid succession, the test was meant to be a measure of agility, coordination, and strength.
Burpees are one of the most effective full-body workouts around.
The TRX System, also known as Total Resistance exercises, is a specialised form of suspension training that uses equipment developed by former U.S. Navy SEAL, Randy Hetrick.
The TRX system is based on the idea of suspension, and while most gyms now have it installed, you can purchase these separately and latch them onto your furniture for a decent workout. The array of possibilities with the TRX is limited only by your endurance - there are TRX push-ups variations, plank knee crunches, and a whole lot of other variations.
TRX or total body resistance training conditions your body with a range of workouts that can be conveniently fitted into any schedule, and done from anywhere.
A push up is a common callisthenics exercise performed in a prone position by raising and lowering the body using the arms. It is also a common basic exercise used in civilian athletic training and physical education. In the past, this movement was called a floor dip.
Time, money, and location are essentially no barriers to a good workout. We hope these tips offer you more ideas on getting into shape and getting fit and healthy from the comfort of your own home.
To find out more about how you can take ownership of your health, sign up for a fitness and health assessment available at the Active Health Labs located island-wide. Guided by Active Health Coaches, you will understand your current status, learn tips to improve your health and wellness and adopt habits that best suit your lifestyle.