Escape the confines of your gym and hit the great outdoors for some sun-soaked exercise.
Quality exercise doesn’t necessarily require a gym, specific clothing or lots of heavy equipment. For these five fat-burning, muscle-shaping exercises you won’t have to travel far at all – just out your back door.
If the ground is soft enough you won’t even need an exercise mat. This is a convenient way to get the exercise you need without all the hassle.
Do a set before breakfast and another when you get home from work. Combine this with some long walks or gym workouts on the weekend, and you’ll be doing your body a big favor and looking good in the process.
These exercises work the whole body and will give you a thorough workout.
Just remember to stay hydrated, do a proper warm-up and try not to make your neighbors too jealous about how much money you’re saving on gym fees.
1. Lunges
Lunges work the hamstrings, butt muscles and quadriceps and are one of the best thigh-shapers you can perform.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, and lunge forward with one leg.
Your front knee should not go over your toes, and your back knee should get close to the ground without touching. Hold for a second or two, then return to the start position and alternate with the other leg.
2. Pushups
This is one of the most underrated exercises. Pushups tone your back, shoulders, abs, chest and triceps, but it’s important to do them correctly.
Keep your back straight and lower yourself toward the ground slowly.
Slow and controlled pushups do much more for your body than rushed, jerky ones.
3. High Knee Stepping
This is a great way to get the cardiovascular system warmed up. It consists of simply running in place while lifting your knees higher than normal.
If you want to start off slow, do this as a steady march rather than a brisk run. High knee skipping is yet another variation.
4. Crunches
A crunch is similar to a sit up except your shoulders only come a few inches off the ground. If you want to tone your abs, this will help do the job.
It’s crucial to remember that your neck and back should not be producing the upward movement – let your abs do all the work for best results.
5. The Plank
In a face-down position, start with your body supported by your elbows, knees and toes.
Slowly lift your knees off the ground and straighten your body until only your toes and elbows touch the ground. Keep your body straight and your leg, stomach and butt muscles tight.
Do not raise your hips too high or let them sag. Stay in that position for a few seconds before lowering yourself back down to your knees.
Go slowly, and stop if you experience any back pain.
These exercises are just a starting point. As your strength and flexibility increases add some rope skipping, hamstring curls, burpees, jumping jacks and whatever else you like!
Article Source: http://www.fitnessviking.com/