Staying at home may feel like you have to give up on your goals, but with a little creativity, you can still reach your goals. Exercising does not require a lot of space or professional equipment. Here are five exercises that you can do at home for a whole-body workout. Because the exercises only require about 10 minutes per day, they fit easily into the changes to your home life. You will need a mat or towel for the floor exercises.
1. Core Work and Full Body Stretching
Burpees are high intensity exercises that engage your core and stretch your entire body. Start by standing on a mat or towel with your knees hip-width apart. Be sure to relax your knees and hang your arms loosely by your side. The first part of the burpees is to jump up and stretch your arms over your head. Be sure to also stretch your mid-section. When you land, drop down on all fours, and kick your legs behind you. Hold the position for a few seconds, and then return to being on all fours. Stand up, and repeat the exercise, starting with the jump in the air.
2. Core Strengthening
For core strengthening that work every muscle of your abdomen, start on all fours and extend your legs behind you. Once you feel stable, jump your feet to one side of your body. You only want to bring your feet up to about your waist. This is a challenging exercise, so only jump your feet to the point where you are comfortable.
3. Lower Body
Lunges engage the muscles of the legs, buttocks, and core. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Place one foot in front of you and slow bend your legs until the forward leg is at a 90-degree angle with the floor. Reach your hands down and lightly touch the floor. If this is your first time doing lunges, move slowly and do not push the knee forward beyond your toes. You may want to hold onto a chair or other piece of furniture to steady yourself until you get used to the movement.
4. Lower Body and Core
Another jumping exercise is the 180 turn. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend your knees slightly. Bend your arms to a 90-degree angle at the elbow and loosely close your hands. Jump up and turn around clockwise at the same time so that you are facing the opposite direction. Once you land, perform the jump again turning in the counterclockwise direction.
These four exercises keep you active while at home, and help you maintain your fitness goals. You may need to practice at first, but soon you will master the moves and enjoy the physical activity.
