Home exercises

[Rhythm Thief]

I've finally realised I should really be doing more exercise than the almost none whatever that I do at the moment. I'm going to start cycling to work soon (the more I say this, the more likely it is to actually happen ) but I'd like to exercise my top half as well. I'm doing about 50 press ups and 50 sit ups a day at the moment (in two lots!) and I've got one of those hand grip exercisers which I use at work. What other exercises could I do to increase my upper body fitness? I don't want to join a gym or buy any special equipment, otherwise all suggestions welcome.

 

[stephec]

I've got one of those bars you hang over a door frame for pull ups, just make sure your door frame is in good condition though!

 

[numbnuts]

dumbbells are good for upper body and quite cheap too at argos

 

[Moodyman]

1) 'The Plank' - look it up.

2) Lie on your stomach and raise your upper half using your lower back muscles.

3) Reverse sit up - this really helps build your core and stabilises upper body when you're pedalling on your bike. Thsi is probably the best video for it.

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-do-Reverse-Sit-Ups-27821065

 

[lilolee]

By fitness I assume you mean stamina. So don't build up to hundreds of press up's/sit up's. In fact, personally I'd stop sit up's as you know them and do them with wide legs which stops you using you back. I like this routine
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYA7rvNniBU
. Try incline press up's to strengthen the shoulders and also tricep dips. But don't forget the legs and simple lunges and squats can also help as well. Do what ever you do in a slow controlled way. Even try stopping at mid points and hold for a second or two.

Also include a good stretching routine. Even take up yoga/pilates. Trust me they aren't just for girls and really help maintain the bodies core strength and alignment.

 

[fimm]

One legged squats, and lunges are body weight exercises you can do at home or wherever.

 

[Dayvo]

I always recommend these exercises for general fitness and toning:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/strengthening/swiss_ball.php

and 5 minutes of this twice a day:


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epZjMuRRXLo