Ever feel like working out but don’t want to drive to the gym? We totally get it! That’s why we were thrilled to find this expert routine from fitness pro Matthew Carney that lets you get a workout even in your living room. Try it out tonight!
Sometimes, getting to the gym isn’t possible, but you can still have an effective workout at home or while traveling. Here are some great exercises to tone every part of your body:
1. **Glute Bridge**: Want a rear like J.Lo or Pippa Middleton? Lie on your back with your feet up on the edge of the sofa. Press into the sofa and lift your hips by squeezing your glutes. Lower slowly to complete one rep. Do 24 reps in one set.
2. **Side Plank**: Bend your arm and place your forearm on the sofa cushion, then step back with your feet on the ground and turn to a side plank. The sofa cushions your arm, which is much nicer than a mat. Hold for 45 seconds on each side, one side at a time. Complete 2 sets per side.
3. **Leg Kicks**: Great for your lower body and hips. Use a sturdy chair or stepladder for support. Lean into it, lift your leg to waist height and kick out straight. Pull your leg back in, touch the ground, and kick again. Do 2 sets of 12 kicks per leg.
4. **Dynamic Step Jumps**: This will get your heart rate up and work your lower body (glutes, quads, and hamstrings). Find a step or stair, put one foot on it, and switch feet with a dynamic leap. Complete 2 sets of 20 switches within 40 seconds.
5. **Hop-Overs**: Use a pillow on the ground for hopping over. Do 10 hops on one leg, side to side. Then, with feet together, do another 10 hops side to side. For an advanced option, add 10 front-back hops and 10 leaping lunges over the pillow. Challenge yourself further by stacking more pillows!
6. **Push-Ups**: Start with push-ups at counter-height with your feet comfortably away from the counter. Once that’s easy, move to a sofa or chair, then a step, and finally the ground. Aim to complete 2 sets of 20 push-ups at each level.
7. **Seated Stretches**: Sit on a pillow (or two) with your legs wide apart. You’ll find it easier to stretch and fold forward with that small bit of height under you. Hold each stretch for at least 20 seconds, and repeat twice.
This living room workout can help you boost your health without leaving home. Next time you’ve got a few free minutes, give it a try and let us know how it goes! You don’t need to be tied to the gym to work out – you can exercise anytime and anywhere!
