I know the feeling. You have got your diet right and have decided to get in shape. However, you do not know where to start.
Exercise is a crucial element you need to add to your routine. It is not just for weight loss but for strength to function daily. However, there are different fitness routines ranging from CrossFit, Pilates, and Insanity.
It is easy for you to get confused with what works. Truthfully, getting fit is not rocket science. All you need are exercises that are simple and target multiple groups at the same time.
It should consist of aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (strength training) exercises to help you burn excess fat, build muscle tone, and work your internal organs like your heart and lungs. You also get to look better in and out of your clothes _ Yay!
If you are starting your fitness journey, choose simple exercises you can do with or without equipment. However, just because something is simple does not mean it is ineffective.
They can be just as effective as the advanced ones. Do them consistently and increase the repetitions when your fitness level increases.
Do these ten simple exercises listed below to get or stay in shape?
Walking.
Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. After all, you do it every day. It is gentle on the joints of people who cannot run. It is also excellent for people with arthritis.
In addition to that, walking improves blood circulation and sleep. It also burns excess body fat. A brisk 30-minute walk burns 200 calories.
A study at the University of Tennessee revealed that women who walked have less body fat than those who did not.That is good for your waistline. It’s free. All you need to do is put on your trainers and walk. Aim to get 10,000 steps daily.
Skipping.
Skipping is another simple exercise that you can do anywhere. There are so many benefits you can get from it. Some of them are:
- Increased body coordination.
- Efficient lung capacity and endurance.
- It works the whole body
- It burns excess body fat.
Do you know that skipping burns 1,600 calories an hour? That makes it as good as running. So get a skipping rope and start.
Skip for 30 minutes with a minute rest interval.
Strength training.
Press-ups.
They are one of the oldest and most effective exercises to do. If you want a fit and toned body, do press-ups.
They are so good because they work multiple body parts like the triceps, back and chest muscles.
Begin with ten repetitions and work up to twenty-five repetitions.
Squats.
Process.
- Stand with your feet shoulder apart. They should be wider than the shoulders.
- Bend your knees and move your back as if you want to sit on a chair. Ensure that your knees do not go beyond your toes.
- Your knees and legs should be at a 90-degree angle.
- Move up and start again.
This simple exercise works the glutes, thighs and hamstrings. It is not only good for you, but it also makes your booty and thighs rounder, firmer and shapely.
Do 15 repetitions in 3 sets thrice a week.
Fire-Hydrants.
This exercise is excellent for building and shaping all the buttocks muscles.
- Kneel on all fours with your feet under your shoulders. Your back should be straight and not bent or arched backwards.
- Keeping your hips square to the floor, raise one knee up and out to the side to match the height of your hips.
- Hold for a second and return to the floor.
Do 25 repetitions on each leg for two sets. Trust me, you will feel the burn in that area.
Bridges.
This classic exercise is simple and effective. It tones the buttocks, hamstrings, lower back and abs.
I like it because it is excellent for people who want to tone their glutes but cannot do squats because of weak knees.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and hips apart. Your hips, feet and knees should be parallel and relax your lower back.
- Inhale to prepare. Exhale and pull your stomach into your spine. Lift your pelvis off the floor until it reaches the top.
- Pause for a second and squeeze your butt for a second. Return to the starting position.
Do fifteen repetitions in three sets.
Cross crunches.
This exercise works all the abdominal muscles, especially the rectus and obliques. It tones the six-pack and gives you a trim waist.
Do ten repetitions on each side and aim for three sets.
Leg raises.
This simple exercise works the rectus abdominals, especially the lower abs.
Do 25 repetitions in 3 sets.
Stomach Vacuums.
This exercise looks easy but is very powerful. It tones all the abdominal muscles and the transverse muscles ‘the deepest abdominal muscles that wrap around your external and internal obliques. They create a natural corset that makes your midsection look great.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your hip apart. Arms should rest on your side with palms facing up.
- Inhale to prepare. Exhale and pull your stomach towards your spine. Do not move any other part of your body.
- Hold for a minute and exhale.
Repeat ten times.
The Cobra.
This yoga pose stretches the front of the body, especially the chest, stomach and spine.
It also strengthens the glutes, arms and shoulders. Do stretches at the end of your workout to keep your muscles supple.
Do three repetitions.
So there you have it. Exercise should not be expensive. Take it one step at a time.
You will be amazed by the benefits you will reap. Try it and see.
Hope to hear from you soon!
