Basic Work Out
Often, a simple work out can make you feel good in a small amount of
time. You can squeeze in these moves during lunch break, or even right
before an upcoming date. The best part is, these
exercises
aren’t too demanding,
so there will be minimal perspiration involved. Keep in mind that these
routines are not meant for advanced trainers looking for serious muscle
growth. They are designed to maintain a
healthy and
good-looking physique
within approximately an hour. Make sure that you have a healthy snack
at least one hour before the workout, and a full meal afterwards.
Cardiovascular and Lower Body
Your cardiovascular work out should
consist of
a half-hour daily walk. Simply lace up your quality walking shoes and
go for a stroll around the block. Go out regardless of the weather;
just make sure to dress adequately. An effective alternative to going
outside is walking up and down a building staircase. This option is
excellent for your heart, as well as maintaining leg muscles. To
maintain a constant progression, try to increase your pace on a weekly
basis. Set goals and gradually increase your distances. If possible,
alter your cardiovascular sessions for an even more effective work out:
use the staircase one day, and walk around the block on other days.
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Upper Body
After your cardiovascular exercises, begin your upper body work out
with a few exercises. Do these steps three times a week for better
results.
Basic Pushups
Basic pushups will work your
chest area, triceps
and
rear deltoids. Aim for
3
sets of 10 to 15 repetitions
(depending on your fitness level), and gradually increase the
repetitions as the movement becomes easier. Once the movement becomes
too easy, you can increase the workout by elevating your feet on a
chair to increase resistance.
Lay face down on the floor with your legs extended behind you and your
hands directly beneath your shoulders. Your fingertips should be
pointed straight ahead, and make sure you keep your back flat and your
head in natural alignment with your spine. Get into the starting
position by extending your arms straight from your shoulders, which
lifts your entire body off the floor. While keeping your body stable,
go down until your nose almost touches the floor. Exhale as you push
back to the starting position with your chest and triceps. Try not to
lock your elbows in order to keep constant tension on your muscles.
Close-Grip
Pushups
Close-grip pushups mostly work the tricep muscles, the inner chest and
the trunk muscles. Once again, carry out
3 sets of 10 to
15 repetitions
(according to your fitness level), and gradually increase the
repetitions as the movement becomes easier. · Use the same
starting position and breathing pattern as the basic pushup. Bring your
hands together and form a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs.
As you go down to the floor, your elbows should go to the side, which
incidentally puts more stress on your triceps and inner chest.
Close-grip pushups also require more balance. By stabilizing your body,
your
trunk muscles will work throughout
the entire movement. At first, close-grip pushups might strain your
wrists, so make sure you
stretch appropriately and start
off slowly.
Wide-Grip
Pushups
Wide-grip pushups will work your
chest, rear shoulders
and parts of your
back muscles.
Carry out the same sets and reps as aforementioned and gradually
increase the reps as the movement becomes easier. · Use the
same
starting position and breathing pattern as the basic pushup. Your hands
should be positioned beyond shoulder width, with your fingers pointing
frontward. The wider position emphasizes the tension on your shoulders
and lengthens your pectorals. Wide-grip pushups are more demanding, so
you will tire more quickly than with other pushups. The above pushup
variations will help keep your upper body muscles strong and fit. For
additional exercises, try these simple moves. All you require are
either 8 or 15 kg dumb bells, and a few minutes.
Legs
These repetitions will build up muscles in the
thigh
and
buttocks.
First, spread your legs to hip length and keep your legs fully
extended. Holding dumb bells in each hand and maintaining a straight
back, slowly bend your knees until your thighs are level to the floor.
Then, slowly return to your original position. Continue this exercise
until you tire your legs to failure.
Chest
In order to work out the
pectorals, lie
on a bed
(stomach up) and hold a weight in each hand above your chest. Keep your
arms fully extended with the palms facing each other. Next, lower the
dumb bells outwards and down until parallel with your shoulders.
Breathe out, and return the weights to starting position. Aim for
eight
sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.
Arms
These exercises will strengthen your biceps. Sit on the edge of a
secure chair with your feet placed hip width apart. Hold the weights
with palms facing inwards in front of your body. Extend your arm, and
curl one dumb bell up at a time in a small arc towards your shoulder.
Be sure to rotate your forearm so your palm faces your shoulder at the
top of the movement.
Aim for three sets of 8 to 12
repetitions.