calves, hamstrings, quads, glutes, forearms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and inner and outer thighs. You also work your core when you stabilize your body.
Exercise #3: Couch Climbers
Start with your elbows on the couch cushion and your hands together.
Place your chest over your forearms, and feet on the floor. Your body will be in a plank position. Do not let your hips drop and try to keep your body in a straight line.
Lift up and place your right hand on the edge of the couch, as if preparing for a pushup position. Quickly place your left hand out to the other side continuing the flow upward to a pushup plank.
Return carefully back down to your elbow plank position, starting with your right elbow and hand, with your left elbow and hand to follow. Think “up, up, down, down” in a metronome rhythm.
Repeat this sequence starting with the left hand and arm. During this calorie burner, you work your core muscles (abdominals and obliques), lower back, chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders, forearms, and lats.
Try these other ways to incorporate easy home toning exercises into your day:
- Park in the back of the parking lot so that you have to walk a little farther to your destination. For an added workout, carry your groceries instead of pushing them in a cart.
- Give your house a really good cleaning. To burn even more calories, sing and dance while you work.
- When you have a choice, use stairs instead of an escalator or elevator. Try to climb stairs quickly instead of taking your time.
- When feasible, walk instead of driving, taking a train, or riding the bus.
- Getting antsy in your chair at work? Fidgeting is fine — and burns calories.
- Use an exercise ball instead of a chair. It forces you to continually contract your core muscles in the abdomen and back to stay balanced.
- Play with your kids — tag is a great game to get the heart pumping.
- Laugh, jump up and down, dance, and just enjoy life.
Exercise doesn’t have to be one more chore on your to-do list or something that you dread. Make better choices throughout each day to help you move a little more, and your heart will reap the benefits.