by Betty Carew

Created on: November 04, 2009

Exercise is perhaps the most beneficial gifts you can give your body. Most people can't see beyond exercising without the proper equipment. This is somewhat of a myth. Not everyone can enjoy a fully equipped gym at home and if you are one of those people don't get discouraged. There are endless exercises that can be done at home and all you need to bring to it is the motivation to exercise. Give it a try and you'll find that you can truly enjoy losing weight and keep your muscles toned with very little help from anything or anyone but yourself.

Walking

Walking is the most simple and effective way to exercise by anyone that wants to stay fit. It doesn't matter how the weather is if you are committed to exercise you will dress for what Mother Nature dishes out in terms of weather. If you are just starting an exercise program don't try to do a marathon the first day but rather work up to it slowly. Take your first walk around the block and every few days lengthen the time of your walk. Thirty minutes a day is excellent to give you a good cardio and muscle workout. If you absolutely can't get out of your home use any stairs you have in your home for your workout. Add some weight in your arms as you do the stairs and I can promise you your workout will be just as effective as at a gym.

Jumping jacks and children

Do you have small children? If the answer is yes then there's your motivation for jumping jacks. Make it a family affair and the kids will love it. Jumping jacks are excellent for your cardio and with the children's help it will make it so much easier as you look at the smiles on their face. Make it a family affair.

Don't push empty air

Incorporate the kids into your push up sessions. Get them involved. Do pushups from the floor by lying face down and placing your hands flat on the floor. Raise your body keeping it straight without bending. The only parts of your body that should be touching the floor are your hands and your toes. This is wonderful for building up strength in your whole body. Another way to strengthen the upper part of your body is to lie on your back and have your child lay on top of your stomach. Place your hands on your child's waist and lift him in the air. You can also have your child sit on the bottom of your feet and raise him in the air. Be sure you have a tight grasp on him. Pushups can also be effective by using your knees for balance and pushing your upper body up with your hands.

Do you spend a certain amount of time watching

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