Originally Published on Friday, 18 July 2014 18:37
Written by Duane Brickhouse, IFBB MP PRO
Many people have time commitments (better known as excuses) that prevent them from being able to work out. However, not being able to physically make it to a gym or a lack of access to equipment is not a true reason to not break a sweat and get a good workout in.
Here is a great workout that doesn’t require you to leave the house or have any weights.
1) Handstand Push-Up: I do these against a wall or a flat door. Place your hands shoulder width or wider around 10 inches from the wall that you will use to support yourself, with your hands facing forward. Kick your feet up so that your heels are against the wall, supporting yourself with your hands in a handstand position. Once you have achieved balance, lower yourself until your elbows are at least at 90 degrees and then return to full extension. With practice you should be able to improve your range of motion so that you can lower your head to the floor.
2) Push-Up: Lie face down on the floor being supported by your toes and your hands with your arms fully extended. Your body should form a straight line. Lower yourself until your chest almost touches the floor, pause, and then return to full extension. There are many different pushup variations that you could substitute in based on your ability (modified/knee, elevated, decline, one-hand, etc.)
3) Bodyweight Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, hands at your waist or in front of you for balance. Lower your thighs to a minimum of 90 degrees before returning to the starting position.
4) Trunk Twists: Standing with your feet spread beyond shoulder width, rotate your upper body side to side. (As an alternative, you can also do all reps for one side before switching to the other. Your lower body should remain motionless, and you can also perform this exercise seated to take your legs out of it altogether.
Try doing this as one giant set for 4-5 sets using the following rep scheme:
- Handstand Push-ups: 10
- Push-Ups: 20
- Bodyweight Squats: 30
- Trunk Twists: 20 each side
This is a great workout to get your heart rate up and it takes away the excuses of “I don’t have time/weights/a gym.” This is also perfect for all of my travellers out there who need ideas for what to do in a hotel gym that lacks equipment.