It’s that time of year when we look at ourselves in the mirror, sigh, and say to ourselves, “I need to lose some weight.”
If you are like most Americans, you’ve probably decided that 2016 is the year you are going to lose weight and get back into shape.
One problem with the whole “losing weight thing” is that people don’t actually go to the gym! You know how it goes. You’ve been at work all day and are tired and don’t want to go to the gym. So instead, you plop down on the couch for the night.
We have one thing to say to you: 2016 is going to be different! You’ve made a goal, written it down, and now it’s time to stick to it! To help you follow through on those New Year’s resolutions, we’ve come up with seven exercises that can be done from the comfort of your home when you don’t feel like going to the gym.
Walking in Place
You probably have a friend who just started a couch to 5k program; you want to start one as well, but you haven’t run in years —maybe even decades. Chances are, if you haven’t run or been physically active in a long time, running might be a down-the-road goal for you. Instead, start by walking in place in your living room. Next time you’re watching your favorite evening show, try walking in place for the duration of the show. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll start sweating.
Burpees
The movement made famous by CrossFit enthusiasts will burn calories and get your heart rate up quickly. The movement is simple and you can do it in your room or living room. Start by standing, then lower yourself into a push-up position and do a push-up. From there, jump or stand to your feet. Try doing as many as you can for 30 seconds, and increase the intensity and duration as you feel comfortable.
Jumping Jacks
Bringing back memories of high school gym class? The jumping jack is an easy-to-do movement that increases your heart rate and burns calories. During commercial breaks, do jumping jacks until the commercials end.
Push-Ups
Start building muscle in your chest and arms in 2016! If you can’t do a regular push-up, scale the movement and rest with your knees on the ground. You’ll still feel the burn — trust us!
Sit-Ups
Lacking motivation to get to the gym? Bang out a 100 crunches in the morning beside your bed to get the blood flowing. Don’t forget: Abs are made in the kitchen with clean eating, not just by doing countless crunches (but they do help!).
Air Squats
Tone up and strengthen your legs in 2016 by incorporating the air squat into your workout routine. This movement can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels. If you are having trouble getting down in a squat, take it slow and squat only as low as your body will allow. Over time, your range of motion will increase and you’ll be squatting with ease! Start with 10 to15 air squats every day, and increase the number daily.
Stretch
Ouch! You just woke up, turned to get out of bed, and all of sudden pain shoots through your body! We all know the feeling of being sore and less nimble than we were in our younger days (why do we have to age!?). Incorporate a stretching routine into your life in 2016, and your body might just start feeling like that of a 15-year-old again (hey, we can dream!).
Next time you find yourself on the couch instead of at the gym, try doing any of these seven exercises to keep your 2016 goals in reach!
We are committed to having a healthier community in 2016 and to motivate folks to meet their fitness goals, we’re giving away a Fitbit Charge to one lucky person! Contest closed.
Let’s make it happen! Ready. Set. Go.
