When you’re committed to your health and well-being, you don’t let anything stand in your way. Even if you can’t afford a gym membership, don’t have access to a gym, or simply don’t like the gym, you can still tone up at home! In fact, bodyweight training engages many muscles at the same time, burning lots of calories and sculpting multiple areas of the body at once.
In this article, we share our 4 favorite toning exercises that you can do anywhere – no equipment required!
1. Sit-outs
Yes, sit-outs, not sit-ups.
Sit-outs are done by starting on all fours with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips, hovering slightly above the floor. To begin, bring your left foot across your body and towards your right hand.
Then extend your left leg fully and lift your right hand to your chest, twisting slightly to the right as you move. Return to your starting position, and alternate sides for your desired number of reps.
Read: 5 Post Workout Meals You Should Eat
2. Sprawl
Sprawls are a variation on a plank and require you to jump back to reach the proper position. To begin, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat slightly and bring your elbows to your sides, palms in front of you facing each other.
Then place your hands on the floor and jump back into a plank position. Arch your back as you lower your hips towards the floor. Then jump forwards again, move into the standing squat position, and repeat for the desired number of reps.
3. Star jumps
Star jumps are like jumping jacks but work more muscles because of the extended range of motion.
To begin, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat and keep your arms slightly in front of your knees, palms facing each other. Jump and “burst open”, separating your legs widely and clapping your hands together overhead while in the air. When you land, squat back down into the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
4. Around the worlds
Start in a reverse table position with your knees bent, feet together in front of you, and fingers pointing towards your feet. Your arms should be straight, without locking your elbows, and your butt off the floor. Look straight ahead as you walk your legs to the right. Extend them behind you, coming into a plank position, then continue moving left until you return to the starting position.
As you move, you may need to lift your hands to let your feet pass. Find an arrangement that works comfortably for you (and make sure you switch directions part of the way through!).
Tone your body with only your weight
Bodyweight exercises are growing in popularity, regardless of whether you have a gym membership or not. By incorporating the exercises above into your workout routine, you can firm up your body without ever grabbing a weight or other piece of equipment.
Getting fit and achieving the body you’ve always wanted has never been more convenient!
Read: The Smart Dieters Guide To Boosting Metabolism
