Well, February is here, and for those who are doing their best to stick to that New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get fit, here are some new tips to honor it, without ever having to leave the house.
“Be the best version of yourself” is a well-known cliché one hears often, especially during the month of January. It seems that everyone everywhere is advertising to “lose the weight” or “get healthy.” The problem, however, lies not in where, but in how. Sure, it’s easy to join a gym, but as a fitness newcomer, it is tough out there making a plan to work out on your own.
With that in mind, February is right around that time when people begin to give up. The ambition that fueled you, that eye of the tiger has petered out, and you have found that the only marathon you are interested in is on Netflix. With frequent snowstorms and dropping temperatures, that gym membership has become less and less appealing. But there is a simple solution to get fit and healthy indoors, and it comes from a fellow student and fitness enthusiast. Meaghan Wheeler, a junior history education student, shared her workout philosophy, “Getting in a great work out from the comfort of your home requires 10 quick and simple exercises for three rotations!”
These at home exercises include:
1) 50 jumping jacks: jumping jacks are simple, and work out both the legs and arms while providing excellent cardio.
2) 30 second plank: this is a great exercise to build endurance and strengthen the core. Lie on the ground, push up, remaining parallel to the floor with only your hands and feet touching the floor.
3) 15 burpees: Burpees may not be the most well known, but they definitely do the job. In a rapid motion, jump down into a plank pose, do a push up, jump up, then repeat.
4) 30 second right-side plank: do the same thing planking however lean to the right side with either a hand or a forearm firmly planted on the floor as well as both feet.
5) 25 squat jumps: jump up vertically, and on the way back down fall into a sitting position as low as you feel comfortable. Make sure your back is straight.
6) 30 second left-side plank: repeat the same as before only on the left side.
7) 25 tricep dips: this is a great work out for your arms. Position your arms behind you holding onto a chair. Lower yourself slowly to the floor, then push back up.
8) 25 hover jacks: start in a plank position and jump both legs apart then together.
9) 50 bicycle crunches: lie on your back and bring knees in, alternating.
10) 1 minute knee ups: stand and bring knees up, alternating
Moyi Jia, lecturer in the department of communication, said, “I try to run three miles a day, that is how I stay active when it’s too cold to go outside.” Although some may not be able to make it to the gym, most of these workouts count as cardio.
Practicing yoga is also ideal for someone that prefers to exercise at home. The benefits of yoga include increased flexibility and heightened energy. Nicole Meissner, a sophomore business student, refers to yoga as a “state of mind.” “I enjoy practicing yoga because it has allowed me to think positively and avoid the gym in the cold,” said Meissner. Yoga will have you saying ‘namaste’ in no time.
Although these workouts may seem difficult, they will get you closer in achieving your goal of wellness and becoming the best version of yourself without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. These at home workouts will infuse you with self-confidence. Start saving your money and cancel those gym memberships because you can get fit in your own living room.
PHOTO COURTESY of Nicole Meissner
