Looking for the best way to lose weight? The answer may not be as complicated as you think. In fact, simply going on a more balanced diet can can be enough to get you started with visible results. Balancing your meals contributes to a whopping 70% of all weight loss efforts.
That said, if you’re really serious about getting into a healthier shape, a bit of exercise in addition to your diet can help a lot too.
Some of the issues people face when it comes to working out is they think that effort isn’t for them, that gyms are too expensive, they don’t have the skills or the most common complaint: “we don’t have the time”.
However, the truth is actually a lot less punishing. You don’t need a gym subscription, or to decorate your home in weights and workout benches, or to invest more time than you can manage.
You just need to keep your body moving and that can be as simple as climbing the stairs, walking your dog or going out dancing on the weekend. Everything counts. But if you want to take things just one step forward, I’m going to show you 5 decisively simple workouts that you can do at home:
1 – Squats
This well-known exercise is a simple and efficient way to put your leg muscles and hips to work. To do them, start by making sure you are keeping your back straight. Next, get your legs into position by making sure your feet are aligned with your shoulders. Then, lower your body as if you were trying to sit on a chair, until there is a 90° angle between your body and upper legs. Get up and repeat the movement 10 to 15 times in 3 series. Take a few seconds to rest between series.
2 – Hip Raise
This exercise works your legs and gluteus. Start by lying down on a floor, facing upward. Bend your knees and make sure your feet are touching the floor. Slowly, raise your hips, up and down, while keeping your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Make sure to contract your tummy as you perform the movement. Repeat 10 times in the space of 3 series.
3 – Split Stance Dumbbell Curl
For this exercise, you’re going to need a pair of dumbbells. If you don’t have one, you can skip past this one for now. Set the weight of the dumbbells according to your preference. To get started, place one of your legs on a bench or surface of similar height. Hold the dumbbells in your hands with your palms facing forward. Make sure your arms are fully extended. Raise the dumbbells to your shoulders, keeping the elbows tucked at the sides. Repeat the movement 8 to 10 times and swap the bent leg when starting a new series. 3 series in total.
4 – Sitting Holds
This is a simple exercise that’s great because it works everything from arms, to legs and abs.Start by laying on your back, with arms overhead. At once, lift your arms, shoulders and legs off the floor, holding them in air, forming a V pose. Your abs must be contracted. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds at a time, and repeat 2-3 times.
5 – Mountain Climber
This is a very good cardio exercise. Start by placing yourself in a push-up position. Sustain your body weight with your hands and toes. Push one leg at a time, and try to get your foot as close as possible to your shoulder. Do this quickly, at least 10 times with each leg. Repeat the exercise 3 times. Finally, keep in mind that you can find a number of apps to help you determine what the best exercise is for your weight, height and fitness goals.
