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of adding resistance to, and modifying, push-ups:

* Have a partner sit on your back. This is another great way for involving your children or spouse in exercise.
* Go deeper. Arrange some chairs so that your hands are on the chairs with your body between them. This will allow you to do a deeper push-up and get a better range of motion.
* If you can't find anyone to sit on you, look for household items. In this case, a cinder block or a box full of books isn't practical. A better alternative is something in a sack (such as sand) that will be easier to balance.

Of course, there are more exercises than these three. For starters, there are many variations on these exercises that can be achieved by changing your grip or the angle at which you perform the exercise. Then, there are completely different exercises all together. Let's go over some good at-home exercises that focus on building strength:

* Sit-ups. Sit-ups can be done practically anywhere.
* Roundhouse kicks. Roundhouse kicks are a great ab exercise.
* Pull-ups and chin-ups. If you can't find a place to hang from to perform these exercises, go to a near-by playground and use the monkey bars. Or, if you don't mind spending a little money, you can install a chin-up bar (found at your local sporting goods store) in a doorway of your house. Add weight by strapping something to your ankles or tying it around your waist.
* Plate-drags. If you have a solid (e.g. hardwood, tile, etc.) floor, put something heavy on it and push it around with your feet (for proper technique, Google for "plate drags exercise").
* Lunges. You can add weight to lunges the same way you do for squats.

To summarize: It is possible, and even fun, to do strength building exercises with little or no equipment. Don't let the expense of gym membership or home gym equipment prevent you from having the strength and physique you desire!

Learn more about this author, James Tharpe.
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