For whatever reason that you can not, will not, should not (?) go to the gym; no matter how much you want to work out, here’s a solution. I have compiled simple, fun and quick workouts that you can do in your room!
Abs
Who needs a gym to tone up those abs? If you are like me and just can’t seem to work well with those exercise balls, these exercises are for you. I swear, they’re simple, easy and worth every ounce of pain.
The Plank on Steroids
I hate planks. I end up not focusing on engaging my core and just count down the seconds immediately after I begin. This little twist on the plank will not only work your abs but also your back, chest, and shoulders.
How to do it:
You begin in the standard plank position but rather than holding your weight with your forearms, hold the weight on your hands. Lift your right foot and left arm for five counts and then slowly come down. Switch arms and legs and repeat–that’s one rep! Do this for a total of 10 reps and you will feel the burn.
Bye-bye Muffin-Top
There are numerous, tedious workouts to get rid of those muffin-tops but who really wants to be bored during a workout? Try this fun, slightly silly, exercise to twist away that annoying section of your belly.
How to do it:
Lie on your belly (yes, facedown) with your arms out to the side, palms down. Swing the left leg over the body, bending the knee and gently tap your toes near the right hand. After returning your leg back to its original position, repeat on the other side. Do this 10 times for each leg!
*Tip: Try to keep as steady as possible by grounding yourself with your arms.
Legs
If you’re like me and often opt to watch a show rather than going to the gym, here are some exercises that you can easily do while comfortably watching an episode of your favorite show.
Catwalk Pins
Found this gem on Pinterest and trust me, you will thank me for it. This nifty exercise targets those inner thighs–and don’t be deceived by the easy instructions! The only piece of equipment you will need for this is your chair!
How to do it:
Lie on your side and use one hand to support your head and place the other on either your waist or in front of you. Place your top leg on the seat of the chair and leave the other underneath the chair. Slowly lift the leg underneath until it touches the underside of the chair and hold this position for 30 seconds. Lower–but don’t let it touch the ground–for a few seconds and lift it back up. Do 10 sets of these for each leg!
Aerobics 101
This next exercise is somewhat of a mixture between Pilates and aerobics. It’s fun, and relaxing but, again, don’t be fooled by its outer appearance! This will help you slim the outer thighs to give you long and lean legs. Ready?
How to do it:
Again, lie on your side with your feet crossed. Tap the foot in front once and then lift your leg straight up in the air. When you bring it back down, tap the foot behind you. This counts as one rep. Do 20-30 reps on each leg for a complete workout!
The Multi-tasker
This particular move allows you to stay seated, so that you can even get some of that reading done while you workout.
How to do it:
Grab a chair, a magazine or two and brace yourself. Keep your back straight and close to the back of the chair and place the books between your legs and squeeze them tight! Holding onto the legs of the chair loosely, lift and lower your legs 10x. On the 10th lift, hold for 15 seconds! That’s one rep. Repeat for another 15 and you’re done!
Arms
Got a chair? An elevated surface? Then what’s stopping you from getting those Madonna arms? These are another set of exercises that you can easily do while watching a movie or show. Let’s get it.
Triangles and Triceps
Let’s get rid of those flabby arms and get nice, toned, strong arms.
How to do it:
With your back facing the elevated surface, grab the chair, dresser, step, whatever, and stretch out your legs. Dip your arms so that the elbows are in line and are pointing straight–not to the side! Keep your back straight and don’t bend your knees! Lift yourself back up and that’s one! Do 3 reps of 30 dips!
Push it, Push It Real Good
The incline push up works the triceps, chest, and the shoulders – the whole package.
How to do it:
Position yourself in a push up position. But this time, place your hands on a raised object (a chair, dresser, etc.) Your back should be as straight as possible to prevent injury! Lower yourself so that your chest is nearly touching the elevated surface. Pause for a second, and then push yourself back up to the beginning position. 20 reps!