Top 10 Stretches & Workouts to Do at Home
Aug 28, 2024
Can't leave the house to work out? Limited space for training? No worries.
For whatever reason, one can't always make it to the gym, whether you want to or not. It can be tricky to manage a habitual visit to the place with all the equipment at your disposal. The uncertainty of going outside during the worldwide pandemic might've hindered people, like yourself, from taking care of your fitness goals. But there's no need to fear. There are actually plenty of exercises that'll get you off the couch and into the zone.
Here are the top 10 wide-ranging exercises you won't even need to leave the house to accomplish:
10. Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks have all sorts of benefits. This exercise puts the most integral muscles to the test. They mainly target the legs (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves), core (abdominals), and upper body (shoulders, arms). According to Healthline, jumping jacks can burn about eight calories per minute for a person weighing 120 pounds and up to 16 calories per minute for someone weighing 250 pounds. This means just a few minutes of Jumping Jacks a day can burn a massive amount of calories.
At the convenience of staying home, at least assuming you have enough space, Jumping Jacks provide a convenient and versatile way of increasing stamina and endurance.
They also work really well in combination with some of the other exercises on this list! Read on for more...
9. Leg Press
If you're looking to invest in a good workout from home, a leg press especially might be for you.
Enhancing the major muscles in your lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes; can show significant improvement with the help of this machine. You'll perform a controlled, safe movement with heavy resistance, making it ideal for building muscle strength and endurance in the legs. The ease and versatility of this machine makes Leg Day unskippable.
The leg press is also one of the safer machines on the list. The gymnast performs a controlled, safe movement with heavy resistance, making it ideal for building muscle strength and endurance in the legs. For trustworthy effectiveness, the machine takes care of Leg Day for you, in a safer manner than stretching one's own limbs.
The only reason it's low on the list? Because it's quite expensive. An affluent buyer might find solace in a $1000+ machine. If that's not you, I highly recommend the next one:
8. Cable Tricep Pushdown
At a reasonable price, if you’re looking to enhance your upper body workouts, particularly focusing on building strong, defined triceps; a cable pushdown be worth looking into. A much greater alternative than the last but different in some respects.
The cable tricep pushdown is specifically designed to isolate and engage the triceps, allowing you to efficiently build and tone these muscles. It works by keeping the elbows stationary and using the cable’s resistance, you can directly target the triceps for maximum muscle engagement. This leads to better strength gains and muscle definition compared to more general exercises.
The best part: it's adjustable. Putting in an arm's worth of support will strengthen the bones. Amazon has plenty under $50 such as the suggested link, and most (if not all) will fit in your living room!
7. Treadmill
Another, more common device to get in an active cardio workout. If running outdoors doesn't seem to be an option, rain or shine, a treadmill might be the way to go. Another adjustable machine on the list, but a good one.
Running on a treadmill offers a convenient and effective way to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and build endurance. It provides a controlled environment, allowing you to run regardless of weather conditions while offering customizable workouts to suit your fitness goals. Treadmills are generally lower-impact than outdoor running, making them gentler on your joints and reducing the risk of injury. With features like adjustable speed, incline, and heart rate monitoring, treadmill running helps you maintain a consistent pace, track progress, and improve your running form, all while enjoying the safety and comfort of an indoor workout.
When the outdoors aren't an option for whatever reason, run in the safety and privacy of your home.
6. Foam Roller
Back to basics, a roller can work incredibly for the stretching phase of your workout. Taking care of one's spine is undoubtedly important for physical health in all respects.
Studies at Manta Health assure us that using a foam roller on the mid-back helps target individual vertebrae by applying pressure that creates localized extension between them. This action allows the facet joints to open up and facilitates movement at that specific joint, aiding in the lubrication of the joint and supporting the health of your spine. Additionally, foam rolling promotes spinal extension, a movement often diminished by prolonged sitting and modern lifestyles. This practice helps alleviate discomfort, improve posture, and enhance overall flexibility.
The foam roller does not even require a burst of energy; it can simply be a way to avoid the couch. An underrated method of spinal care.
5. Lunges
Perhaps the most underrated on this list, lunges. They work wonders.
These stretches engage multiple muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, providing a comprehensive lower-body workout. They also promote functional movement by mimicking natural walking patterns, which can enhance overall coordination and agility. Performing lunges helps improve flexibility in the hip flexors and increases core stability as you maintain balance throughout the exercise. Additionally, lunges can be easily modified with added weights or variations to target different muscle groups or increase intensity, making them a versatile and effective exercise for both veterans and rookies. And before a run, it's a lot better to set the legs in motion.
4. The Plank
The notorious "plank" is a more challenging exercise, but one that marvels in its benefits. One can assume the longer one planks, the better the core. Face down, there's an impenetrable force between the floor and you - making it a safe bet for an at-home workout.
They are known for their strength and stability by engaging the entire abdominal region and lower back. A strong core is essential for good posture, balance, and overall functional strength. If you're seeking perfection in form, plank religiously; it'll help.
The longest plank done by a person is over nine hours. Nine hours! Not to say you should do it for the entire day, but a worthy two-minute attempt will make this day a whole lot healthier.
3. Squats
Squats aren't just for the gym; they can be done anywhere, especially in the comfort of one's home.
Perhaps one wonders which muscles they target...and furthermore why care about 'em? Squats are so highly effective because they engage the quadriceps, which are responsible for extending the knee as you rise from the squat position. The hamstrings work to control the descent and stabilize the movement, while the glutes are crucial for hip extension and power. Additionally, the adductors, located in the inner thighs, help stabilize the legs and manage movement control. And the core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, play a vital role in maintaining balance and proper posture. Together, it's a work of harmony. (More on squats here at WebMD.)
2. Push-Ups
Push-ups offer numerous benefits that make them a priceless exercise. They effectively strengthen the upper body muscles, including the chest, shoulders, and triceps, while also engaging the core for enhanced stability. They boost cardiovascular health when performed in high repetitions or as part of a circuit, and they require no equipment, making them highly accessible. They also enhance shoulder stability by strengthening the muscles around the joints and promote balanced muscle development across multiple groups. Overall, push-ups are an efficient, convenient exercise that supports weight management and improves both strength and endurance.
As mentioned before, some exercises are best when combined with others. Burpees are known for their amazing effects on the body do the combination of core and legwork. They are far more intensive, yet incredibly effective.
Yet even when watching a show or a movie, do some push-ups during the commercial break! It's a great pasttime: one worthy of taking the #2 spot.
And finally,
1. A Biking Machine
There are two routes you can take considering biking: either buy an indoor biking machine, or take your exercise outside with a bicycle. For the sake of this list, let's assume you're indoors. You hop on the Pelaton, and race against a time you've adjusted that matches your workout's purpose.
Now, your body is at work. In the best possible ways.
Sites like CycleMasters go in-depth with the many benefits in a ten-list of their own with additional F.A.Q. And they're right. Indoor cycling aids in weight loss by burning a monstrous number of calories, sharpens overall fitness and improves endurance. One of the best parts: the workout is unaffected by weather conditions, making it consistently accessible inside. It also lowers stress levels, improves mood, and strengthens and sculpts leg muscles. Additionally, indoor cycling is gentle on the joints, allowing for a low-impact exercise option, and provides flexibility in training intensity and scheduling, making it ideal for busy individuals. Truthfully, indoor cycling increases productivity due to the limbs at work. Amazing for multitasking a busy life. Cycling is loads of fun. Like all of the other options on this list, you're guaranteed to break a sweat.
-GC