By Carter Smith

During winter, it’s hard to find the motivation to go out and exercise. The cold weather and early darkness make it difficult to stay active and improve yourself.

But if you want to boost your physical and mental health without leaving the house, don’t worry! By incorporating these five exercises, you can get healthier from the comfort of your own home. As always, remember to do these exercises in moderation—only you know your limits, so try not to push yourself too hard.

Sit-Ups

For activating your core muscles, sit-ups are perfect. They’re simple—all you need to do is lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet planted on the floor. For the movement, place your hands behind your head and lift your upper body until you reach a seated position.

Not only will this strengthen your core muscles, but it’ll also improve your posture and help prevent back injuries. If you plan to do a large number of repetitions, make sure to split them up to avoid straining your muscles.

Press-Ups

Press-ups are great for building strength in your chest and arms. Start by positioning yourself on all fours, with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders and your legs extended so that your back remains straight. Lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then push back up.

If you find these too challenging, you can modify them by keeping your knees on the floor. You’ll still feel the benefits in your arms and chest, and this is a great alternative until you build enough strength for full press-ups.

Plank

The plank is the simplest movement of all. Get down on your forearms and the tips of your toes, keeping your back straight, and hold the position for as long as possible.

For your first attempt, just see how long you can last. Then, try to improve your time each session—even if it’s just by one second. Any progress is good progress! This exercise strengthens your core, shoulders, and upper body.

Wall Sits

Similar to the plank, wall sits require endurance. Stand with your back against a wall, then lower yourself into a seated position with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for as long as you can.

As with the plank, start by seeing how long you can last, then aim to improve over time. This exercise strengthens your upper thighs, calves, and glutes.

Burpee

If you’re looking for a more cardio-intensive exercise, burpees are a great choice. Start with a press-up, then immediately jump into the air. Repeat this movement for as many repetitions as you set beforehand.

It may be the hardest exercise on this list, but it’s also the most effective. Burpees engage the majority of your muscles while improving your cardiovascular fitness. If you’re unable to do a full press-up, you can modify the movement by simply getting into the press-up position without lowering yourself.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can stay active and healthy all winter long – without ever stepping outside!

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash