The Best Weight Loss Exercises For Home Workouts
It’s not always easy to motivate yourself to exercise. Aside from the bodily comfort and mental frustration often associated with working out, there are a plethora of other demotivating factors, from expensive and bulky equipment to having to commute for even the shortest exercise regimen.
Add to this the fact that many people who are engaged in a weight loss program are uncomfortable with others seeing them in athletic gear, and it’s not hard to see why many people give up every day on getting fit.
Fortunately, there are ways to make exercising easier and more approachable for every person. One of the best methods is to create a workout regime that can be done from home. This eliminates the commuting excuse, and can be the perfect option for anyone who is not completely confident about their body. For those who are considering an at home exercise regimen, here are the 5 best exercises for shedding pounds that can be done without equipment.
1. Crunches
Crunches are an old school favorite. They are vital for developing a strong and toned core, as well as aesthetically improving the appearance of the waist and stomach.
Start by lying down on a comfortable surface. Elevate the legs until they are more or less perpendicular to the body, with the knees bent at a ninety degree angle. Raise the upper body until the chest meets the thighs, and then slowly lower it to the resting position.
To ensure that proper crunch form is being adhered to, make sure that the entire upper is being lifted, not just the head. For a greater challenge, place the legs on an elevated chair or table surface. This further isolates the stomach muscles, making the exercise harder but more effective.
2. Push-ups
This exercise is one of the most effective for developing stronger arms and chest muscles. It can also be one of the most intimidating and demanding resistance exercises, so progress should be taken slowly.
To get into proper Push-up position, make sure that arms and feet are perpendicular to the ground, while the body is more or less entirely straight and parallel to the ground surface. Hands should be under the shoulders, or slightly wider. While performing the push-up, lower the body so that the chest touches the ground without bending the back or legs.
For those who are not immediately capable of doing a full push-up, try doing push-ups against a raised surface. This helps develop the arm muscles, strengthening them without putting too much stress on the body.
3. Burpees
Burpees are one of the hottest new workout trends. This exercise can offer a full body workout, while testing aerobic capacity.
This exercise starts with the body in push-up position. Jump so that the feet are flat on the ground under the shoulders, shifting into a crouching or squatting position with the hands still on the ground for support. Raise the arms straight above the head, and jump vertically, landing in the same position. Place the hands back on the ground and jump back into a push-up position. If performed correctly, burpees are extremely taxing, making them a great way to burn calories.
4. Squats
A classic way to work the leg, butt, and abdominal muscles, squats are an easy way to improve body shape and appearance. Start standing with feet beneath the hips, and arms extended perpendicularly from the body. Slowly, lower the body at the knees so that the thighs are parallel to the ground, as if they were sitting on a chair. Stand up out of the squat in a slow and controlled way. For an extra challenge, try doing the exercise with arms not extended while holding dumbbells. This exercise can also be combined with dumbbells being held out in front of the chest and brought into an extended, starfish like position with each squat. The addition of a chest fly makes this one a great way to exercise the whole body at once.
With these exercises, you’ll be able to get started with a workout regimen without having to sweat the details. This way, you’ll be on the road to a fitter body in record time.