Hello friends! Sorry for the late post today. We had a busy weekend, full of fun activities but also some work. We have a lot to do to get our house ready to sell, so you may see me dropping in with some late posts in the coming weeks.
Today I wanted to share with you my favorite exercises that you can do anywhere. Without fail, you will always see me doing these moves. You don’t need a gym or weights (but weights can be incorporated), and they can be just as effective at burning calories as lifting heavy weights.
Lunges: Forward lunges, backward lunges, jumping lunges, lunges with weights. I do them all. A lot. I love lunges. Love them so much. You can incorporate dumbbell bicep curls into your lunges, or do some side lunges with dumbbell arm raises. They are great at building muscle and getting your legs lean and mean.
Push ups: Push ups are an awesome exercise because they work so many muscles (pecs, triceps, deltoids, abs). There’s a reason the military uses them as part of their physical training.
I’ve heard a lot of women say they hate doing push ups because they have no upper body strength. There’s no better way to increase your upper body strength than by doing a few push ups. Start incorporating some knee push ups into your daily routine and before you know it you’ll be able to do 10 perfect push ups without stopping. It’s baby steps and I’ll tell ya, there are days when I have to get down on my knees to finish out my set. That’s ok, just keep going!
Plank holds: Not only do plank holds work your core, they also help with your balance. There are multiple variations of planks you can do including side planks or planks with leg lifts. Start small, doing 15 second holds, then increase by 5 seconds each week. You’ll be at a minute in no time!
Squats: Another favorite of mine, I incorporate jump squats and single leg squats into my routine on a weekly basis. Speed squats do a number on your thighs and booty as well. Make sure you keep your knees behind your ankles! If you have dumbbells or kettlebells, hold those chest-high while doing some controlled squats. They will kick your booty!
Jumping jacks: Jumping jacks you might say? Yes, jumping jacks. They incorporate your whole body and really get your heart rate up. I’m trying to do 100 jumping jacks a day every day for a month and I challenge you to do the same. Try it!
Crunches: I know everyone has their own opinion on crunches, but I still think they are a great exercise. Whether you’re doing a full sit up, or just a crunch, holding your core is key. This will keep lower back pain at bay. And don’t pull on your neck! That’s probably one of the biggest mistakes people make when doing crunches. Let your abs do the work, not your arms and neck.
Try doing crunches with your legs raised, or reverse crunches to target lower abdominal muscles.
Start incorporating these moves into your day. Even with just 10 minutes of work a day you’ll start to see a difference.
Question of the day: Do you have any favorite exercises you do on a daily/weekly basis?
Thanks for all the info, Tiffany! Lunges kill me but I do them as part of your booty workout!
Love Love Love this!!! I’m addicted to working out! Have you ever done squats to the bring sally up song? You should google it – whew! It’s a killa 😉
Great list. I used to weight train a ton and it really makes the difference in losing or keeping weight off and being a stronger runner. My intent is begin again but I never seem to get around to it.
Love these! Planks are one of the best all over body workout. I am also a huge tricep dips! You can do those post places too! And some form of stretching. I hate feeling all tight! Thanks for the anytime- go-to workout tips! 🙂
I like tricep dips too! I do them in a chair or our ottoman at home. 🙂
And yes, love to stretch. I’m always super tight in the morning so I try to get a good stretch in after my workout.
OMG I LOVE THIS POST. I love hearing that I don’t need a gym or equipment to have a beneficial workout. I’ve seen some of the fittest people on YouTube doing exercising with only these moves so they definitely kick booty! Thanks for sharing, I always love hearing your thoughts on exercise!!
This is such a great group of exercises. I noticed a lot of them are pregnancy friendly! I’ve heard great things about squats that can really help with delivery! I had no idea you all were selling your house. I hope everything goes smoothly! 🙂
Yes, a lot are pregnancy friendly (I would recommend the planks though). 🙂
Squats are really helpful at getting your body ready to deliver, especially if you’re doing a home birth.
Thanks for the good thoughts! We hope it all works out for the best!
You love lunges?! Wow. I. Do not. I agree though… they are so darn good for firming up everything down south.
I don’t know what it is lately but I am finding no time, energy, or motivation to do any exercise. I was gung ho for a few months but now – psh! Maybe it’s the heat. Yeah, I’ll blame the heat.
Thanks for sharing these Tiffany. I will try to incorporate them more into my day.
xoxo
Jumping Jacks are really effective. I am hopeless at push-ups, as I have not a lot of upper body strength! Lunges are great, but I have to watch my knees.
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I love getting my heart rate up with jumping jacks. Have you tried doing wall push ups? They can help to slowly build your upper body strength as well.
Definitely take care of your knees. Keep them behind your toes when you do your squats. And don’t go down as far if you can’t. No need to push yourself lady! 🙂
Great list! Push up are so hard. I feel like I’ve run a marathon after doing about ten, lol!
100 jumping jacks a day, you go woman!!
Lol thanks Susen. It’s already getting a bit easier each day. 🙂