Ten Easy Exercises to Stay Healthy
Trying to start off the New Year’s right? Did you make a resolution to get back in shape? We invite you to try these ten easy exercises that you can do every day in order to stay fit for the New Year.
1. Deadlift
This is the classic, gold-standard exercise of weight training. This exercise strengthens your quadriceps, ham strings, gluteus, and other muscle groups. Be careful to only lift an appropriate amount of weight.
2. Running
Whether on a treadmill or in a park, running is one of the best and most fun ways to stay in shape. Be sure that you’re wearing a proper running shoe. Also be sure that you have plenty of music to listen to!
3. Swimming
Swimming has long been proven to be one of the most effective ways to use all of your muscle groups and to stay healthy. We recommend signing up for a swimming class to get involved with the sport. Channel your inner fish and get into the pool! You’ll be glad that you did.
4. Sit-ups
This classic exercise is great for strengthening your abdominal muscles. They are similar to crunches, but sit-ups have a fuller range of motion and affect more muscles than a basic crunch. Be forewarned – you won’t necessarily get a six pack from doing thousands of sit-ups. Getting a six pack only comes after losing abdominal fat, which means that you would also need to lose overall body fat.
5. Pull-ups
Another classic exercise, this exercise has been used by the military for several years to determine strength levels among its recruits. They’re not the easiest thing to do, but once you get the “hang” of it, you’ll be doing a bunch of them in no time!
6. Riding a bike
More than simply being a means of transportation, riding a bike can be a wonderful way to burn the calories while taking in some natural scenery. Purchasing a bike doesn’t need to cost a lot of money if you find one second-hand. Of course, we recommend the use of helmets at all time while operating a bicycle.
7. Push-ups
Again, you can’t really mess with the classics. This exercise also helps with overall arm strength. You get the added benefit of not needing any specialized equipment to do this exercise. Try doing some with one arm or on your fingertips for added strength!
8. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art incorporating relaxation, movement, and balance. Although it might not be an exercise that you’re likely to see many people doing at the gym, it can bring numerous health benefits, including stress reduction. In fact, some people even call this exercise “meditation in motion.” Tai Chi is accessible for people at all levels of age and skill.
9. Bicep curls
Another very basic move, this exercise will help to strengthen your biceps, and who doesn’t want that?? Simply take a hand weight and curl upward. Try doing this exercise in three reps of 10 and then taking a break.
10. Zumba
Zumba is a great way to get exercise because it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Simply sign up for one of your local Zumba classes and start having fun. Your local clubs may have other exercise-based types of dance routines, any of which would be a great addition to your repertoire. Whether you’re doing it in your down-time for some extra fun or making it your main choice, Zumba is a great idea.
It’s true, there are some old fashioned ones on this list, but it’s their quality that gives them their lasting power! Try any of these exercises today and work your way towards a healthy 2014.
This guest post was written by Steve Bronson in association with Doctors Imaging. They’re radiologists concerned about quality patient care and physical fitness for all individuals.
The views expressed herein are those of the author himself, and not necessarily those of any medical facility or physician. This article is intended to provide those reading it with information about matters of current interest. It should not be construed as legal or medical advice concerning a specific topic and should not be acted upon without contacting the appropriate professionals.