Firm Up Anywhere With These 8 Amazing Chair Exercises
There are plenty of reasons for skipping a workout: gym memberships are expensive, you don’t have time, or you don’t have room for bulky exercise equipment. Well, no more excuses. Here are eight exercises designed to help you stay in shape. All you need is a few minutes and a chair.
Crunches
Sit straight with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and bend downward. Make sure you squeeze your abs as you curl forward. Sit back up and repeat.
Planks
Place your hands on the back of your chair. Walk your feet backward until you form an angle with the chair. Keeping your toes about hip-width apart, lift your hips until they create a straight line from your shoulders all the way to your heels. Try to hold the pose for 30 to 45 seconds.
Side Lunge
Place the inside of your right foot on a chair. Your left foot should be on the floor about two feet away and extended. Clasp your hands in front of you. Push your hips back as you bend your left knee. As you stand up, lift your right leg level with your hip and pulse twice. Complete two sets of 15 reps on each side.
Seated Jacks
Sit straight with your knees together. Your feet should be pointed with your toes touching the floor. Your arms should be at your sides with elbows bent and palms facing forward. Quickly open your legs to your sides, flexing your feet so that your heel touches the floor. Extend your arms overhead as you move your legs to the side. Repeat 30 times.
Leg Lift and Twist
While seated, cross your arms over your chest. Stretch your right leg out straight with the foot on the floor. Tighten your abs and rotate to the right. Lift your right leg toward the left and squeeze your knees together. Try 20 reps on each side.
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Chair Running
While sitting, extend your legs with toes pointed. Your arms should be bent and by your sides. Tighten your abs and lean back slightly so your shoulder blades touch the chair. Lift your legs slightly. Pull your left knee toward your chest and bring your right shoulder toward the knee. Switch sides. Do 30 reps as quickly as you can.
Leg Pull-ins
Sit on the edge of the chair and extend your legs. Reach behind your back to grab the chair. Lean back as you lift your legs about six inches off the floor. Lean forward and pull your knees to your chest. Return to your original position and repeat.
Ab Squeeze
Sit up straight. Tighten your abs as much as possible and hold for several seconds. Release and repeat.
Leave a comment to tell us about your favorite “do anywhere” exercise.
