This Is the Most Effective Weight Loss Workout To Do at Home, Trainer Says
"I don't feel like working out today." We're all guilty of getting into this mindset at times—it's even true for us trainers. The most difficult part about working out is mentally committing to doing it. We spend so much time convincing ourselves why we can't work out, when in reality, we could have already completed a "mini-workout" with that wasted time and brainpower! The second hardest part is physically getting yourself there. So we've put together the most effective weight loss workout you can do right at home.
The truth is, if you never stepped foot in a gym or studio again, you could still be the strongest, most sculpted version of yourself. How? Well, this low-impact, high-intensity weight loss workout will leave your muscles shaking, your body dripping, and your mind filled with endorphins. The best part? It requires zero equipment and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Read on for this full-body, 15-minute weight loss workout, and next, be sure to check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.
Straight Arm Plank
Nothing heats up the body more than a plank at the beginning of a workout. Place your hands underneath your shoulders and your feet hip-width distance. Your heels should be driving back, your hips in line with your shoulders, and your abdominals pulling in. Hold this position for 30 seconds as you breathe into the rib cage and exhale out of the mouth to create that fire in your belly.
Related: This Non-Aerobic Exercise Is A Game-Changer For Weight Loss, New Study Says
Pushup
Next, move on to pushups to continue to work your core and add in the chest and arms. To set up, place your hands wider than your shoulders (should be as wide as your mat) with your elbows driving out to the sides. You can choose to do them either on the tops of your thighs (knees bent and feet together) or with straight legs. Perform 10 reps and pulse 10x at the halfway point for 2 rounds.
Reverse Pushup
This next exercise is the best at toning the back of your arms. Sit on your butt with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Put your hands behind you with your fingertips facing your glutes. Pressing your feet into the floor, lift your hips up, and roll your weight back over your wrists. Now, bend your elbows—keeping your hips up and driving your elbows back—and re-straighten your arms. Complete 8 reps and 8x pulses at the halfway point for 2 rounds.
Related: Walk Off Belly Fat With These Secret Cardio Tricks, Trainer Says
Wide Second Squat
Moving on to your lower body, let's do my favorite kind of squat for lean thighs and glutes. Stand with your feet wider than your hips and your toes pointed out. Bring your hands to your heart's center. Lower your hips so they are in line with your knees, and press your knees back. Hold this for just a second, stacking your shoulders over your hips and pulling the crown of your head towards the ceiling. Straighten your legs back up, and squeeze your glutes at the top. Perform 8 reps and 8x pulses at the bottom for 3 rounds.
Glute Bridge
This exercise will accentuate your glutes in no time. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width distance apart and flat on the floor. Your fingertips should be able to graze the back of your heels. Relax your shoulders, and press your forearms and palms into the floor to activate them. Pushing through your feet, lift your hips up, and engage your glutes, hamstrings, and abs. Squeeze your glutes at the top, and slowly lower down to the starting position. Complete 8 reps and 8x pulses at the top for 3 rounds.
Related: Get Rid Of Bat Wings With This 10-Minute Daily Workout
Mountain Climber
Of course, there needs to be a little cardio burst to get your heart rate up in order to continue burning fat. Start this movement in a straight arm plank position, and alternate bringing one knee into your chest and then back out again, switching legs until you are essentially "running." The goal is to go as quickly as possible. Move for 30 seconds.
Bicycle
You're almost there, but no workout would be complete without core work. Lying on your back, bring your hands behind your head with your elbows out wide. Bring your left elbow towards your right knee as you lift your left shoulder blade off the floor and bend your right leg. Keep the left leg straight out in front of you and along on the floor. Now, switch to the other side, connecting your right elbow to your left knee. You can hover the straight leg one inch above the floor for an extra challenge. Continue alternating legs for 30 reps.
Forearm Plank
Fire up your core, and push yourself one last time with a plank. Place your forearms parallel on the mat with your shoulders directly over your elbows and your palms facing down. Drive your heels back, engage your legs, and activate your core. Hold for 30 seconds, again breathing into the ribcage and out through the mouth.
Do this workout again tomorrow, because remember: No gym, no problem! And if you're in the mood for even more at-home workouts, try these:
6-Minute Abs—Without Equipment
The Best 10-Minute Core Workout For Sculpted Abs
