You do not need to join a gym to get in shape. It doesn't require any special equipment. You can get into shape using nothing more than items that you already possess in your house. Use these exercise routines to get into shape in the comfort of your own home. As always, get authorization from your doctor prior to beginning these or any other workout programs.
Stair Routine
Nearly every house has a flight of stairs. Use yours for a cardiovascular workout. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, climbing one flight of stairs, a 150-lb. person burns about five calories. Make an exercise routine out of climbing your staircase. Climb up and down your stairs 10 times. Take a break to walk in place for 90 seconds. Then do 10 more trips up and down the stairs. Starting with 10 sets of 10 trips up and down the stairs, you will be burning 500 calories right away.
Chair Dips
Grab a kitchen chair and have a seat. Place the heels of your hands on the edge of the chair with your fingers pointing to the ground. Lift your rear end off the seat and push it forward a few inches from the chair. Your knees should be bent with your legs forming a 90-degree angle. Lower your body down, until the arms are bent to 90-degrees. Then push back up. Work up to performing three sets of eight repetitions.
Couch Crunches
Lay on the ground in front of your couch. Place your feet and lower legs on the seat of the couch. Your rear end should be touching the side of the couch. Bend your arms to place your hands behind your head. Pull your abdominal muscles in toward your spine. Keep your chin lifted and pointed toward the ceiling and your elbows back and out of your peripheral vision. Curl your head and shoulders off the floor crunching your abs. Complete three sets of eight repetitions.
Towel Stretch
You can use a common bath towel to stretch. Sit on the ground with both legs extended straight out in front of you. Loop a towel around the balls of your feet and pull on the towel to flex your feet and stretch your calf muscles. Next slide the towel down your feet to your arches. Now use the towel to pull your body towards your legs stretching your hamstring muscles. Hold each stretch 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat each stretch two to three times.
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