Back to Basics -- Easy Exercise Routines

Fitness is big business. There are TV shows, infomercials and entire television stations dedicated to exercise and weight loss. Fitness magazines and books can be found in every bookstore, most grocery stores, and even some convenience stores. And new types of fitness equipment are rolling off the production lines all the time.

With all of this activity dedicated to fitness, one might think that getting in shape is difficult (not to mention expensive). But people have been exercising since the beginning of time, and they didn’t have detailed instructions and fancy equipment back then. And contrary to what the companies that make all these products would have us think, it’s not necessary today, either.

There are many types of exercise that we can do without any equipment whatsoever. These include:

• Running - This is one of the best cardio exercises there is. All you need to get started is a good pair of shoes, some weather-appropriate running gear, and a place to run.
• Push-ups - Push-ups are excellent for strength training. They work the arms, shoulders and chest, and they also build upper core strength.
• Crunches - Crunches are like sit-ups, but they are not as hard on the back. They are wonderful for toning the abdominal muscles.
• Lunges - If you want to improve muscle tone in the legs, lunges are perfect. They can also provide cardiac benefits if you do enough repetitions.
• Walking – Considered one of the best forms of exercise that just about anyone can do.  Walking works the entire body and the participant can go at their own pace.  In fact, walking doesn’t have to seem like “exercise” at all to be beneficial – simply incorporating more walking into your daily life will make a difference.

A Little Equipment Goes a Long Way

It is entirely possible to get an adequate workout without any special equipment. But adding in some simple exercise aids will add variety to your workout. Variety will help keep you motivated and make it easier to work all of your muscles.

An

exercise ball is a favorite of workout minimalists. You can use it in a number of ways. It’s great for balance training, working on core strength and even weight training. Exercise balls are not very expensive, but they are quite versatile.

Resistance bands are also simple yet versatile. Often used in physical therapy, they provide resistance without heavy weights or bulky machines. They’re ideal for those who live in small spaces.

Dumbells are good to have on hand, too. They can help build strength in the arms without creating bulk. Some are pricey, but the inexpensive ones found at discount stores work just as well.

You don’t have to spend a fortune just to stay in shape. Exercising can be as simple as doing some stretches and jogging around the block a few times. While some exercise equipment offers added benefits, it is unnecessary for most of us. Some comfortable clothes and a little motivation is all we truly need to stay fit.