We’re all guilty sometimes of being a bit neglectful when it comes to regular gym sessions. Work schedules and our social lives often take precedence, but that’s where at-home exercises can really come into their own.
Here at Curvissa we’ve put together some of our favourite exercises to do at home for a healthy body and mind. All you’ll need is a mat and a great workout playlist – no equipment required. So don your sportswear, grab your water bottle, and let’s get moving!
Top tip: want to keep track of your fitness levels and progress towards hitting your goals? Add a FitBit to your Christmas wish list!
Push-ups
Let’s start with a classic. Push-ups are great for building upper body strength by working the pectoral muscles, triceps, and shoulders. They give your legs and abs a good workout too! Why do we love push-ups? They’re fast, uncomplicated, and, when done correctly, give your body a real workout.
How to do a push-up
If you’re new to push-ups, here’s how to do one:
- Go down on all fours and place your hands on the floor, slightly wider than your shoulders
- Straighten your arms and legs, so you’re in a high plank position
- Using your arms, lower your body, so your chest is almost touching the floor
- Hold for a second, before pushing yourself back up
- Repeat
Planking
Holding a plank can be a challenge for beginners, but it’s a great way to give your whole body a workout. Planking helps increase your core strength, as well as working your abdominal muscles and pelvic girdle.
How to do a plank
- Get onto all fours and place your weight on your forearms either side of your head
- Lift your knees up so that only your feet and forearms are touching the ground, and press your weight into your elbows
- Squeeze your quad and glute muscles
- Hold for 30 seconds, rest and repeat.
Burpees
Burpees are a great ‘all-rounder’ exercise as they work your legs, glutes, arms, back, and chest. They can take a bit of getting used to, and you definitely need an exercise mat, but once you do a couple, you’ll easily be able to incorporate them into your exercise routine.
How to do a burpee
- Stand with your feet about a shoulder’s width apart, with your arms by your sides
- Lower your body into a squat by bending your knees
- Place your hands on the floor in front of you, and shift your weight into your hands
- Jump your feet back so you’re in a plank position. Your body should be in a straight line
- Jump your feet forward so they’re just outside of your hands
- Put your hands up and jump into the air
- Once you land, go immediately into a squat position
- Repeat
Lunges
Lunges are a great exercise to do at home as they help strengthen that all-important core. If you’re new to lunges, here’s how to do one:
How to do a lunge
- Stand with your feet a few inches apart
- Take a long step forward with your right leg
- Lower your body until your right thigh is parallel to the floor, and your left knee is almost on the floor
- Push back from your right heel to push back into the starting position
- Repeat by stepping forward onto your left leg
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