I've said it before and I'll say it again: I hate working out.
These days, gym memberships are becoming increasingly expensive and from my experience with workout videos, I know I don't have the stamina to keep up in an exercise class.
Since scientists are in the midst of creating pill that would replicate the effects of a cardio workout, I recently found the perfect exercises for a beginner like me to try out, which all involve sitting down!
However like all (aspiring) athletes, I know we'll all eventually have to adapt our workout routines based on our increasing skill level. Luckily, I found a solution to my problems mentioned above.
Here are six easy exercises that you can do from the comfort of your home:
1. Squats
What it does: Squats help you strengthen your leg muscles (including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) along with shaping your glutes.
How to do it: Stand your legs hip-width apart and slowly descend into a 90-degree angle. Remember your spine has to be straight and your knees shouldn't be going over your toes.
Do 10 reps, take a 15 second break, and repeat for two more rounds.
Watch this video to see how it's done.
2. Hip Raises
What it does: While hip raises primarily strengthen your glutes and hamstrings, they also help improve your abs along with your middle and lower back.
How to do it:
Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet firmly planted on the ground. Squeeze in your glutes tightly and then raise your hips so your body forms a straight line all the way from you shoulders down to your knees.
Pause for five seconds and then lower your back down to its starting position. Repeat for a total of 10 times.
Watch this video to see how it's done.
3. Side Plank
What it does: Side planks predominately improve the muscles in your core, along with the ones in your abdominal and back. It also strengthens your glutes and muscles in your inner thigh.
How to do it:
First, lie on your side with your feet together and knees straight. Your forearm should be directly below your shoulder you're lying on, and place your opposite hand on your hip. Now hold in your core and raise your hips until your body is in a straight line from head to toe. Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side.
Watch this video to see how it's done.
4. Boat Pose
What it does: A popular yoga move, the boat pose works by tightening your core and strengthening your spine. It also helps stimulate your kidneys, prostate, thyroid and intestines.
How to do it: Sit when your knees bent with your hands on your thighs and feet on the floor. Lean your upper body back and lift your legs until they form a "V" with your body. Stretch your hands as far as you can with your palms facing in. Tighten your core but keep your shoulders relaxed, back straight and chest lifted. Hold for 30 seconds and complete two more sets.
Watch this video to see how it's done.
5. Lunge
What it does:
How to do it: Start with one leg in front and the other behind, perfectly aligned. Make sure one isn't on top of the other and you have stability as you lunge up and down.
Lift your chest, keep your chin up and hold in your core. Make sure you're keeping your weight off of your heel of the leg in the back and go straight down. Lunge down far enough so your knee will be over the top of your feet, while your other leg points down on the floor, standing on your toe. Hold for five seconds and got back to your starting position. Do three sets of 10 lunges on each leg.
Watch this video to see how it's done.
What is your favorite exercise to do at home?
