Simple Workout. Strengthen and stretch your body with these simple exercises performed by personal trainer Tamara Pridgett. Although gentle on your joints the following workout will get your heart rate up and allow you to start your day off right!
This post is adapted from an original article from Alexandra Duron at greatist.com.
How to use this list:
Complete 3 rounds of the following circuit. Perform 10 to 12 reps of each move in the first set, 12 to 15 reps in the second set, and 15 to 20 reps in the third set. By the end, you’ll feel stretched, energized, and ready to take on the day.
1. Hollow Body Hold
Simple Workout
Lie faceup with arms by sides and legs extended straight. Engage abs. Lift shoulder blades and straightened legs off the floor, keeping lower back pressed into mat throughout the entire exercise (the closer your legs are to the floor, the more challenging this is).
2. Single-Leg Glute Bridge
Source: Greatist
Lie faceup with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Extend left leg straight out then press into right heel to lift hips straight up off mat. Keep knees in-line and engage glutes as you lift. Lower down slowly, creating your own resistance, then repeat on other side.
3. Reverse Oblique Crunch
Simple Workout
Start sitting on mat, legs extended out in front of you, hands on mat behind you. Lean back slightly onto fingertips for balance and lift legs two inches off floor. Keeping core tight, shift weight onto right hip and twist at the waist to bring bent knees toward chest. Extend back out (don’t drop legs to mat). You should feel this in your side abs. Twist to the other side and repeat. Continue alternating.
4. Plank With Knee Tap
Source: Greatist
Start in high plank position, hands directly under shoulders, shoulders in-line with hips. Engage core to keep torso still, and without shifting weight, draw right knee to chest and lift left hand to tap right knee, then draw left knee to chest and lift right hand to tap left knee. Continue alternating as fast as possible without losing form.
5. Double Leg Lift
Simple Workout
Lie faceup on mat, legs extended up toward ceiling so body forms a 90-degree angle, arms by sides. Keeping core engaged and lower back pressed to mat, slowly lower legs down to mat as low as possible (the lower you go the harder it is). Don’t let lower back pop up off mat. Slowly lift legs back to starting position and repeat.
6. Squat
Source: Greatist
Stand with feet just wider than hip width, hips stacked over knees, knees over ankles. Hinge at hips then send hips back and bend knees to lower body. Keep chest lifted and lower to at least 90 degrees. Lift arms out in front of you for balance if needed. Rise and repeat. For more details on how to squat, click here.
7. Lateral Lunge With Knee Drive
Simple Workout
Start with feet together, arms at your side. Take a big step to left with left foot, send your hips back, and bend left knee (right leg is straight) as you bring palms together in front of chest. Keep chest lifted and abs engaged. Press into left foot to reverse momentum and shift weight onto right leg as you draw left knee to chest. Return to lunge position and continue to repeat. Then repeat on the other side.
8. Inchworm Push-Up
Source: Greatist
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hinge at hips to bend over and touch floor with hands, then walk hands out to high plank position. Keeping elbows close to sides, bend elbows and lower chest to floor. Push back up, then walk hands back toward feet. Repeat.
Along with your workout check out these tips for a successful morning routine.
