Exercising is vital to leading a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t do it, then you won’t stay fit and strong, with those extra pounds likely catching up on you.
I get it, it’s a lot of effort and hard to motivate yourself to actually exercise in this day and age. Your lifestyle probably makes you feel like you don’t have the time, but ideally, every man should have some kind of work-out routine.
While I’ve already covered this aspect about making time, you’re about to find out that exercising and working out really doesn’t have to be time consuming. In fact, you’ll have heard of all of the mentioned routines I’m about to cover before, I’m sure of it.
For all those with motivational or time problems, I’ve done some research and put together a short list for you of exercises that quite literally everybody is capable of practising. So get to it.
Kettlebell Swing
This element of a work-out is very often overlooked. However, it’s best to have at least one element in your routine that will work your hips.
If you can get yourself a kettlebell, then you’re good to perform this anywhere. All you need to do is keep your knees soft, back straight and launch it above your head without bending your wrists back. Once you’ve done that, let it fall back between your legs and use your momentum to repeat.
Just be careful when you’re letting the kettlebell down… I tried to teach Glynn this one and the poor guy let it swing between his legs a bit too hard. Oh, and find a room with a bit of height to it, cos not only did he damage his manhood, he also nearly put a hole in the ceiling!
Pull-Ups
Image: Livestrong
There’s no better exercise for your back, lats, biceps and abs than the pull-up. This exercise routine will work all of these at the same time.
Pull-ups will completely transform your upper body over time, and you don’t even have to join a gym. You can literally do it anywhere… so long as it can take your weight.
I have a very strong bar across an arch way at home, so I can literally get into it whenever. No room for excuses that way too! Let’s just hope I don’t tear down the door frame as I progressively become stronger…
Push-Ups
A classic. I’m sure everybody is familiar with push-ups, so I won’t go on too much about them. They’re simple, and can also be done quite literally anywhere.
All you need to be sure of is that your back is straight, abs are tight and you don’t descend too fast. Do it as slow as you can. You’ll be surprised how effective they are when done right.
Squats
Image: T Nation
Don’t feel silly for doing this. You may look really weird, but if you’re that conscious about it then use a pole across your shoulders, then people will get it. Otherwise you can just hold your arms out to keep balance.
While squatting looks like a doddle (unless you have that extra weight), it’s a bit more difficult than you’d expect. It involves working your quads, calves and gluts to strengthen your core and test your flexibility. It can be done from the comfort of your home, as well as the gym if you need extra equipment.
Whilst you’re squatting, just be sure to keep your back straight and keep your heels on the ground. Don’t rush yourself either, or you’ll end up arse first on the ground.
Planking
Image: Mens Fitness
When I say “planking” I don’t mean that stupid trend from a few years back. While it’s a similar concept, this is a far more mature take on it, and far more beneficial than any potential YouTube views.
I’m not going to lie to you, it is fairly boring, but it seriously works your abs. All you need to do is get your upper arms on the floor and your toes and try hold yourself up as long as you can. See if you can do this for a minute or two.
When that gets too easy, spice things up a bit by raising a leg, or moving up on your side… Whatever you like really!
Like I said, anybody can practice these exercise routines. It’s just up to you to actually carry them out.
It’s always worth putting together a simple exercise routine to carry out, and then add to it as it becomes easier. You can do this!