Free Exercises Anyone Can Do at Home

Even if you can't afford a health club membership or purchase home gym equipment, that is no reason to give up on daily exercise. Many people are not aware that you can use things around the home to create an effective work out strength training routine that helps tone the body and take off excess pounds. Here are some simple ideas that anyone can use without spending any money at all.

For abdominal crunches and sit-ups, all you really need is the sofa. By sliding your feet partially under the bottom of the couch, you can attain the perfect leverage to do either of these gut-busting exercises. Best of all, you can even watch television or enjoy music of your choice while you work out.

A broom or mop works great when performing any type of twist training, such as twists to tighten stomach and chest muscles. Simply position the broom across the shoulders and hold each end in your hands. The body of the broom will help to keep your upper body in the position to get the most benefit from the twists.

The kitchen counter is ideal for performing a round of pushbacks. This cousin of the pushup is designed to tone the muscles of the chest and upper arms. By standing a couple of feet away from the counter and then positioning the hands at shoulder width on the countertop, is it possible to slowly lower the body to the counter until the elbows are extended and level with the shoulders. Hold in place for a count of five and then return to the original position. Be sure to keep the feet together and the legs straight in order to get the most benefit.

Chair dips are also a great way to strengthen the arms and back muscles. All you need is a sturdy chair. Sit with the palms of your hands on the seat with your fingers gripping the edge. Place your feet so that your weight can be supported on your heels. Once in position, slide your bottom off the front of the seat, roughly an inch away. Using your heels to support your body weight, bend your arms to a roughly ninety degree angle. Hold for a count of three to five, then push back up. Repeat the process for as many repetitions as you can comfortably manage.

Stairs or the back steps are also helpful as part of your home workout. While you can jog up and down the stairs as part of the workout, you can also simply use the first step to mimic a climbing action. Beginning with your left foot, step up, and then back down. Repeat with the right foot and continue the process, alternating your feet for each repetition. This is a remarkably simple cardiovascular exercise that is also quite effective.

You can also use sacks of flour or sugar as weights to do arm crunches. Place the sacks in a plastic bag, and then lift them as you would a set of hand weights. Add a second sack to the bags as you begin to build up arm strength. As time goes on, you can use old gallon milk jugs filled with sand to increase the amount of the weights you lift.

Not having money for a gym membership or fancy home workout equipment is no longer an excuse. By using simple items found in every home, you can give yourself a workout that will help you lose excess weight, keep your cholesterol levels down and build up your endurance.