No time for the gym? Try these 5 exercises to do at home

bicycle crunches.jpgBicycle crunches are just one exercise you can do from home to help strengthen the core.
You don’t need to hit the gym to get in a good workout. All you need it a set of dumbbells and floor space (good music is also a plus). No more excuses!

Here are 5 heart-pumping exercises to do at home:

1. Dumbbell Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and knees soft. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing the outside of your thighs. Bend your knees to lower your body and keep your thighs parallel to the floor, without letting your knees extend over your toes. Keep your head up and back straight and pulse three times and then return to starting position.

2. Regular Crunch with Dumbbell: Lying flat on your back, extend your legs straight up in the air. Holding one dumbbell in both hands, crunch up to touch your toes and keep your back off the floor, even when you return down.

3. Bicycle Crunches: Remain on your back and lift your shoulders up, like you would with a regular crunch, and alternate touching your right elbow to your left knee and so forth. Alternate right elbow to left knee, left elbow to right knee.

4. Standard Plank: You can do this on your carpet or if you have wood floors, place a blanket or towel down. Position your hands on the floor, under your shoulders and extend your legs behind you. This should look like a push-up position, except your elbows should be touching the ground. Hold for one minute, keeping your abs contracted.

5. Push Ups: You can do this exercise on your knees or toes, depending on your fitness level. Place your arms shoulder width apart and lower your chest to the floor, keeping your head up at all times. Push yourself up and repeat.