Master these easy, do-anywhere moves to sneak in some extra workout benefits anywhere, anytime. All you need are a chair or bench plus light to medium weights.
The pros at L.A.’s FitnessGlo suggest these three key exercises:
Sculpt Shoulders & Arms
Sit tall, with arms by your sides. Roll shoulders back, inhale, exhale and engage your core. Holding a weight (or a filled water bottle), exhale as you slowly lift your right arm straight out to the side and up to shoulder height, palm facing down. Hold for a few seconds before you lower back to starting position. Do 8 to 10 reps on the right and repeat with left arm. As you get stronger, work both arms at the same time holding a weight in each hand.
Strengthen Your Core
Place hands about shoulder width apart on the seat of a sturdy chair or bench. Engage your abs and walk your legs out straight behind you into a pushup (plank) position on the balls of your feet, with arms straight and shoulders over wrists. Hold the plank position for 20 to 60 seconds. Remember to breathe throughout and to keep abs tight.
Tone Thighs & Glutes
Using both hands, hold a medium weight in front of you with arms down, then take your right leg forward and your left leg behind you into a wide stance. Shift forward to bring 90% of your weight onto your front leg. Roll your shoulders back and engage your core for stabilization. Bend both knees and lower your hips into a lunge position, raising the weight to shoulder height as you go. Keep your right knee directly above your right foot, and hold for 3 seconds. Press to come back up to the starting position. Repeat 8 times and then switch sides, so the other leg is in front.
For more info and workout ideas, visit fitnessglo.com
Photo courtesy of Cook Island Tourism Corporation
