What are five simple exercises to do at home?
When I was younger, I knew a guy who seemed able to do push-ups forever.
I watched him one day. He just kept going and going, with no obvious sign of getting tired.
“How do you do that?” I asked.
His answer was surprisingly simple. One day he had decided that rather than waste time during the advertisements on television, he would get down on the floor and do push-ups until the program started again.
Smart guy. He was extremely fit, but his secret wasn’t complicated. He had simply attached exercise to something he was already doing.
That idea has stayed with me. We often assume that exercise needs its own special block of time. We need to change clothes, go somewhere, follow a program and somehow fit another commitment into the day. But perhaps some exercise can simply be fitted into the spaces that are already there.
So here are five simple exercises you can do at home.
Push-ups. Do a few during a break in whatever you are watching. If regular push-ups are too difficult, start with knee push-ups or even wall push-ups.
Squats. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and lower yourself as though you are sitting into a chair, then stand again.
Lunges. Step forward or backward with one leg, lower yourself gently, then return to standing.
Triceps dips. Using a sturdy chair, lower and raise yourself using your arms. Start slowly. Your triceps will let you know they are there.
Glute bridges. Lie on your back with your knees bent and lift your hips towards the ceiling. Simple, but surprisingly effective.
None of these requires special equipment. None requires a gym membership. You can do them while watching television, between episodes, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or whenever you have a few spare minutes.
The lesson I learnt from my push-up friend was not really about push-ups. It was about using small windows of time for something worthwhile.
So there you have it. One way to get super fit by watching TV all day.
What are five simple exercises to do at home?
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