Easy In-Home Calorie-Burning Exercises
Not everyone has time to go to a gym, and although joining a group exercise class is beneficial, it really isn't necessary. There are a number of easy calorie-burning exercises you can do in your home in your spare time. You can exercise while watching television, while listening to your favorite tunes, or while cooking dinner.
Any time you have a few spare moments, don't remain sedentary. Any type of movement burns calories, and whether you'd like to lose 10 pounds or 110 pounds, the following calorie-burning exercises will help you lose weight, get in shape, and reach your ultimate weight-loss goal.
Countertop Push-ups
Next time you're in the kitchen and have a few minutes to spare, strengthen your shoulders, upper arms, and legs by doing countertop push-ups. These push-ups aren't at all like ordinary push-ups. Countertop push-ups are much easier than regular push-ups, and almost anyone can successfully do them.
Simply stand about three feet from the edge of the countertop, and with your legs slightly spread, plant your heals on the floor. Lean forward and rest the palms of your hands on the edge of the countertop. Perform a set of 20 push-ups, and alter the method in which you do them according to your strength and physical ability. Back up further and go slower for a more challenging workout. You'll burn calories while effectively strengthening your legs as well as your upper body.
Backwards Sit-ups
Not everyone is capable of doing sit-ups, and those who are capable of doing sit-ups are at risk for neck and back injuries. Backwards sit-ups are a safe alternative to standard sit-ups, and they can be every bit as effective. Backwards sit-ups tighten the lower abdominal muscles and burn calories the safe and easy way.
Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your palms facing downward beneath your buttocks. With your legs together, draw your bent knees toward your upper body. While your knees are perpendicular to your body, straighten your legs. When correctly doing this easy exercise you'll feel your lower abdominal muscles tightening. After a second or two, bend your knees, and slowly bring your feet back down to the floor.
Do at least 10 backwards sit-ups, and complete another set of 10 if possible. Each week, increase the number of backwards sit-ups you do. Your abdominal muscles will become increasingly tighter as a result, and you'll burn numerous calories in the process.
Standing Leg Lifts
Leg lifts are easy exercises that help make the legs shapelier while burning calories, and you don't have to lie on the floor. Simply place your right hand on a countertop or wall for balance, and lift your left leg to the side a number of times as well as forwards and backwards. Perform a set of 10 leg lifts in each direction before turning around and changing sides.
If a simple workout with basic leg lifts isn't strenuous enough, make the workout a little more difficult by holding your leg out for several seconds and moving slower. Your muscles will have to work a little harder as a result, and even though you won't be moving as quickly, you'll effectively burn calories and greatly hasten your weight-loss efforts.
In-Home Walking
Walking is an easy exercise that almost anyone can do, and walking effectively burns calories while shaping and defining leg muscles. If the weather isn't conducive to walking outside, get up and walk in your home. Briskly walking in place can be as effective as walking outdoors.
Vigorously walk in place while watching your favorite television show, or while listening to your favorite music CD. There are also a number of fantastic walking programs on DVD. The distraction of watching television or listening to music will make exercising easier and much more fun, and you'll burn numerous calories without ever leaving your home.