Part of me making excuses to not work out was that it was too much work to get to a gym, which made the whole thing intimidating, so I didn’t do it. There are so many roadblocks that can make an actual workout hard and something that we don’t look forward to, we don’t need to tack on “getting to the location” and “getting dressed in workout clothes” to the list. I love to work out and get stronger, but I don’t like to go anywhere to do it.
I feel that if I am doing exercises in my room, there is no excuse not to do them. I don’t have to be dressed appropriately or deal with bad weather, I just need to roll out of bed and get started, and so can you.
I started working out consistently this summer by walking and running outside, as well as doing simple exercises on the floor in my house. I was amazed by how the longer I kept working out, the stronger I got and the more I was able to do. That made me want to keep going and track my progress and celebrate little goals. I saw no reason not to continue this in college. A floor is a floor and a sidewalk is a sidewalk for walking or running. You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to get more in shape, you just need motivation and consistency.
Here are 6 effective and short exercises that I regularly do in my small room to break a sweat!
Optional equipment: sneakers and a yoga mat
1. Pushups
Pushups are one of the most basic yet effective bodyweight moves you can perform because of the number of muscles needed to use to perform them.
Suggested reps: 3 sets of as many as you can do
If you cannot do a standard push up, drop down from your toes to your knees and build up strength doing a modified version.
2. Hollow Body Hold
The hollow body hold works the muscles in the front of the body, including the abs, diaphragm, hip flexors, and quads. They build strength, stability, and body control.
Suggested reps: 3 sets of 30 seconds
3. Burpees
Burpees work your whole body and help with cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength.
Suggested reps: 3 sets of 10
4. Squats
Squats work the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, killing many birds with one stone. For good form, think of how you sit on a chair, but the chair is not there.
Suggested reps: 3 sets of 20
5. Lunges
Lunges work the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings as well, and are a bit more advanced than squats, adding a balance element.
Suggested reps: 3 sets of 10 (1 set includes both feet)
6. Planks
Planks are an ideal exercise for the abdominal muscles because they engage all major core muscle groups. They also work your arms, shoulders and thighs.
Suggested reps: 3 sets of 60 seconds
You don’t have to do these every day, these are just some exercises to try and see what you like. Ultimately, what you do exercise-wise is up to you and your body, and doing what is best for you is crucial.
I wish everyone the best of luck improving their fitness!