In the hustle and bustle of modern life, hitting the gym can sometimes be a luxury. Time constraints, money, or even the global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic can disrupt our traditional workout regimes. But, as many have discovered, the home can be the perfect place to get fit, trim, and healthy. Men, whether you’re seeking to build muscle, improve cardiovascular health, or just get active, here are some simple, effective exercise you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Muscle Focus: Chest, shoulders, and triceps
How-To: Begin with your hands shoulder-width apart and legs fully extended behind. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your chest almost touches the floor. Push back up. Ensure your body remains straight throughout the movement.
Variations: Elevate your feet on a chair for a decline push-up, which targets the upper chest. For a diamond push-up, bring your hands close together under your chest, focusing more on triceps.
Muscle Focus: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back for simple exercise at home workout
How-To: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as if sitting on a chair, keeping your back straight and knees above your toes. Push up to return to the starting position.
Variations: To intensify, hold a heavy book or jug of water as you squat.
Muscle Focus: Core, shoulders, and back
How-To: Assume a push-up position, but rest your weight on your forearms instead of your hands. Ensure your body forms a straight line from head to heels. Hold for as long as possible.
Variations: Side planks target obliques. Start on your side with one forearm on the ground, feet stacked. Lift your hips until your body is straight, then hold.
Muscle Focus: Quads, hamstrings, and glutes
How-To: Stand with your feet together. Step forward with one foot, bending both knees to lower your body. The back knee should hover above the ground while the front knee remains over the ankle. Push back up and repeat on the other side.
Variations: For reverse lunges, step backward instead of forward. This puts less strain on the knees.
Muscle Focus: Triceps
How-To: Using a sturdy chair or low table, place your hands behind you shoulder-width apart on the edge. Extend your legs in front. Lower your body by bending your elbows until they’re at about 90 degrees, then push back up.
Muscle Focus: Cardiovascular system and full body
How-To: Begin in a standing position. Drop into a squat, placing your hands on the ground. Kick your feet back, landing in a plank position. Do a push-up, return to the squat, and explosively jump into the air.
Muscle Focus: Cardiovascular system, core, and shoulders
How-To: Start in a plank position. Alternately drive your knees towards your chest as if running on the spot.
For a balanced home workout, aim to include exercise that target different muscle groups. For instance:
The Benefits of Home Workouts
While the prospect of working out at home might seem basic to some, the benefits it offers can be surprising and profound.
Monthly gym subscriptions and added costs for specialized classes can be financially taxing. Working out at home eradicates these expenses. You can achieve similar results without investing in expensive equipment. Sometimes, your body weight is all the resistance you need.
One of the perks of home workouts is the ability to create a personalized environment Want to exercise to your favorite playlist or while watching a TV show? Go ahead! Need some quiet meditation with your stretches? That’s possible too.
There’s no need to rush to a 6 PM class when your living room is your gym. You can work out at any time that fits your schedule, be it early morning or late at night.
Gyms can be breeding grounds for germs, especially during peak hours when equipment is constantly in use. At home, you have control over the cleanliness of your environment. Additionally, for beginners, the gym can sometimes be an intimidating place. At home, you can confidently start your fitness journey without feeling judged or watched.
If you’ve been doing home workouts for a while and find the above exercises becoming easier, here are some advanced variations to elevate your routine:
How-To: Start in a regular push-up position. As you lower your body, bring one knee out to the side, aiming for your elbow. Push back up and alternate sides.
Muscle Focus: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves
How-To: From a squat position, explosively jump into the air, reaching your hands upwards. Land softly and go back into the squat position.
Muscle Focus: Glutes, hamstrings
How-To: Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Extend one leg straight up. Using your other foot, lift your hips off the ground, squeezing your glutes at the top. Lower and repeat on the other side.
Muscle Focus: Shoulders, upper chest, triceps
How-To: Begin by placing your hands on the floor, a few inches away from a wall. Kick your legs up into a handstand position against the wall. Bend your elbows and lower your head towards the ground, then push back up.
Staying motivated can sometimes be more challenging at home, but these strategies can help:
Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s building muscle, improving endurance, or just staying active, define what you hope to achieve.
Track Your Progress: Keep a workout journal or take monthly photos to visually see changes.
Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or family member, or join online communities where members encourage one another.
Mix It Up: Introduce new exercises or change the intensity to keep things exciting and challenging.
Reward Yourself: Set milestones and once achieved, treat yourself. Maybe it’s a new pair of workout shoes or a day of relaxation.
The journey to fitness is a personal one, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. While the gym has its benefits, home workouts provide flexibility, comfort, and effectiveness that shouldn’t be underestimated. By understanding the exercises that target different muscle groups and pushing yourself to achieve more over time, you can enjoy a comprehensive exercise workout routine without ever stepping out of your home. The most important thing is to remain committed, stay disciplined, and remember that every drop of sweat is a step closer to your fitness goals.
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