It’s not easy starting out January with the goal to lose weight. Whether you’ve over indulged during the festive season, you can’t justify the gym membership, or maybe you’re feeling a little self-conscious, it would be easy to put the fitness plan on the back-burner.
While we know that it’s important to get out there in the fresh air, we also sympathise that it’s cold outside, and well maybe you’re having one of those days where you’re sticking to the comfort of your home.
We’ve pulled together seven exercises that mean you don’t need to step foot outside the front door…
Bust A Move
Ok, hear us out. There are a LOT of great workout DVDs and YouTube channels that will not only improve your dance and co-ordination skills, but can be completed from the comfort of your own sitting room. Starting out? Here’s one that we happen to love!
Video via katorela
Do this three times a week for some cardio that’ll put a spring in your step!
Skip To It
Skipping is a great fat buster and a cheap way to get in some cardio. Pick up a skipping rope in most euro shops, or any toy store and skip in beats to a fast song so you can pace yourself. Remember to do it downstairs so you don’t start shaking the lights in the ceiling. There’s no need for your mam to sip chipped ceiling paint in her tea!
Go For A Dip
No, we don’t mean you need to run the bath. A bicep dip focuses on your triceps, which can sometimes be saggy on the back of your arms. Dips use the weight of your body as resistance to firm and tone your ams. Using the corner of the couch or a chair, place your hands either side of your hips behind your back at shoulder width apart. Slowly lower and higher yourself in repetitions of 10. Aim to do three sets of ten to build up the muscle and prevent sagging.
Image via paceliving.com
Turn Your Molehill Into A Mountain
Ideally a hike or a mountain trek are great ways to build up some leg muscle while getting your exercise, but if you’re too far from the countryside, or prefer the great indoors, why not start doing laps of the stairs? Just be sure to keep your laces tied and don’t go too fast or you may slip and hurt yourself. If running is too intense at the start, walking up and down to build up resistance is a great starting point or warm-up to any fitness plan.
Take On A Warrior
The Warrior Yoga pose is a great exercise to tone your legs while strengthening your core.
To master this pose, start by stand with the feet together, and lift up the left leg with a pointed toe, putting your body weight onto the standing, right leg.
Continue to lift your leg and drop the head and torso so they form a straight horizontal line from head to toe with the arms at your sides. Engage your core and make sure the left thigh, hip, and toes are aligned. Remain facing down and keep your back as straight as possible. Ensure your right knee doesn’t lock and centre the weight on the middle of the foot. Hold for 5 breaths and then slowly return to standing.
Switch legs and repeat.
Pose via Kristin McGee/ Health.com
Plank On It
If all you wanted for Christmas was a washboard stomach, it’s time you start doing the plank. The plank is used in almost every sport to build the core muscles, and by extending the periods of time you hold in the exercise, you can maintain and build on your own strength.
There are two major types of planks, the full plank, where you balance on both arms, and the side plank, where you balance on one arm. Starting with the pushup position is the easiest way to get into the plank. Lower both your forearms to the ground so that both your elbows and fists are flat to the ground with your palms balled up, and directly underneath your shoulders.
Curl your toes under and engage your abs by tilting your pelvis and pulling your belly button toward your spine. Straighten your body but keep your neck and spine neutral. Hold the position after you feel the burning. Try to build up holding your plank for longer spaces of time as the weeks continue. One minute is a good starting goal.
