Bodyweight Exercises - How to Get Super Fit for the Holidays

The Holidays are here again. It's cheerful and festive time for reunions, gatherings and gift-giving. But, for those who are on a serious dieting and fitness regimen, this can be a very challenging time. Yes, it can be a daunting task to get to the gym after night-long merrymaking. But you know you've got to burn all those calories you've ingested or suffer the consequences. Fret no more. You don't have to go to the gym to still stay in shape. All you need are bodyweight exercises. What are bodyweight exercises? Simply put, these are exercises that do not necessitate the use of any equipment. If you've got the floor, you're good to go! Your own body provides the resistance to get you the results you need. Thus, not only is it ideal for those lazy days when you don't feel like going to the gym, it's also a good alternative for those who can't afford gym membership, those who are traveling and even the elderly. The most simple and common examples of bodyweight exercises are pushups and sit-ups. Bodyweight exercises allow you to build strength and muscle, although it would take a bit more experience to get the level of intensity you would have if you're using weights in the gym. Nevertheless, you can get creative in the absence of weights. You can use one hand, for example, to increase intensity. Like any other regimen, you have to warm up a bit before you begin your bodyweight exercises. Simple walking or marching exercises will suffice to keep the blood running before you proceed. You can then do each bodyweight exercise for thirty seconds to a few minutes for a total workout time that can range from thirty minutes to one hour. Don't forget to cool down afterwards. Here are sample bodyweight exercises to get you fit for the Holidays: 1. Crunches Lie with your back on the floor. Bend your knees. With your fingertips behind your ears, curl your shoulders towards your pelvis with your lower back remaining flat on the floor. Contract your abdominal muscles. 2. Push-ups On your knees and toes, alternately raise and lower your body using your arms while keeping your back straight. You can take this a step further by doing the push-ups for four counts and on the fifth, you can lower your body halfway down and count for four before raising it back again. Push-ups exercise your chest and arm muscles. 3. Squat This is a great way to exercise your legs. Simply bend your knees and hips, going way down to bring your torso between your legs. Keep your balance by bringing your body a bit forward. 4. One-leg balance Another great way to strengthening your legs is to stand on one leg for as long as you can. You can up the notch a bit by reaching for an object in the floor in front of you while still standing on one leg. Of course, you need to do this for both legs. 5. Hyperextension Lie with your face down on the floor. Lift your torso and arms at the same time. This is a great way to exercise your lower back. These are just some of the bodyweight exercises that can keep you fit for the Holidays and beyond. So whether you're on the gym or at home, there's no excuse for not being able to exercise. Have a very fit and Merry Christmas!

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