6 Great Heart-Pumping Exercises You Can Do Anywhere
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week. We understand that may be overwhelming. Our coaches want to help! Here are some easy heart-friendly exercises you can do any time, any place – even while you’re watching Netflix!
This month, we’ve been sharing with you the importance of keeping your heart in tip-top shape. The best way to show your ticker some love is by living a healthy lifestyle. Staying active is a vital part of that. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week. We understand that may be overwhelming. Our coaches want to help! Here are some easy heart-friendly exercises you can do any time, any place – even while you’re watching Netflix!
Squats
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and sit back like you’re sitting into a chair.
- Your thighs should be close to parallel to the floor with your knees over your ankles. Focus on pressing your weight back into your heels.
- Keep your body tight and push through your heels to bring yourself back to the starting position.
Take it to the next level! There are a couple of ways to make this move more challenging. You can place a resistance band above your knee. Or, you can hold a dumbbell at chest level for what is called a Goblet squat.
Tip-toe Squat
- Repeat the steps above.
- When you come back up, come up on your tiptoes to engage your calf muscle.
Sumo Squat
- Point your toes outward with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart.
- Repeat the steps above.
- You can also sink low and add some pulses for another variation.
- This move is great for your inner thighs and
Take it to the next level! With a resistance band right above your knees, pause at the low point of this squat and pulse your knees out against the band.
Arm Circles
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms up to shoulder height.
- Circle your arms in small controlled motions.
- Vary this by circling forward or backward.
Take it to the next level! Add a small weight to help build muscle tone in your shoulders, triceps, and biceps.
Wall Push-Ups
- Place your hands against a wall shoulder-width apart.
- Lower yourself down for two counts and back up for two counts.
Side Reaches
- Start in a standing position with feet hip-width apart and raise your right arm up.
- Reach up and over your head, bending at the waist. Your left arm will fall down to your knee
- Repeat on the other side. This move works your obliques and arms!
Take it to the next level! Add a small weight to make this move even more challenging.
Do three sets of 10 reps for each exercise to get a great workout in. If you would like more workout ideas, meet with a Profile Coach.