Lazy Girl Workout Hacks For When You Don’t Have Time For The Gym
Sometimes you want to get a quick workout in, but you don’t have time to go to the gym. Girl— don’t even worry about it because there are plenty of ways you can still have a good sweat sesh, from the comfort of your own home.
Darby and I are huge fans of the Tone It Up workout videos and challenges, and they’re super easy to do in your living room, except for when you need equipment. I mean, sure, you can buy pretty much all of the materials you need, but who has space for gym essentials at home, you know?
If you’re in a pinch and find yourself without weights, a yoga mat, etc. there are still ways that you can get great exercise. Use these four hacks when you’re in a pinch to work out without the proper equipment. Trust the Labels and Lacquer girls— these tricks work. We’re basically pros at hitting the gym without, you know, actually leaving our house, so if we say this works, you can take our word for it.
1. Use Shoes As Weights
Yes, that’s right. Shoes can be for more than just perfectly complementing your outfit, they can help you squeeze in a quick exercise session, too. There are some great arm workouts on the TIU website, but if you don’t have at least a little weight in your hands, you’re not going to get the full effect. That’s where your shoes come in.
Pick the chunkiest, heaviest pairs of heels you own, and get to lifting. You fashionable fitness guru, you.
2. Use A Blanket Or A Beach Towel As A Yoga Mat
Ok, so we all love a good stretch, and nothing makes you feel more relaxed than a downward dog, but if you don’t have a yoga mat— some of your favorite moods can become your worst enemy.
So, you know what you’re going to do? You’re going to pull out that cute throw blanket you got from Target or a thick beach towel, and you’re going to get your stretch on. Obviously, doesn’t work as well as actually owning a yoga mat, but it sure is cheaper and great for when you don’t have time for anything but a little stretching.
3. Use Couches, Ottomans or Coffee Tables As A Way Of Stabilizing
Every now and then you’ll have the task of performing a dip or resting your back leg on something while you perform a lunge. In instances like these, use things that are sturdy and built to hold a little weight to help you out.
Couches, ottomans or coffee tables are great for keeping you up and supporting your weight while you exercise, so get ready to bring a whole new level to your workouts. You don’t need a machine to help you work those arms out while doing dips, do you? Not when you’ve got a coffee table handy!
4. Use A Step Stool As A Stair Climber
If you don’t have stairs that you’re willing to run up and down (in public— yikes) or a stair climber in your tiny apartment, use a step stool to make the most of what that up and down motion can do for your legs and booty. Go on and climb that step stool!
These aren’t the best workout methods, per se, but, when you don’t have machinery at your disposal, you gotta do what you gotta do, you know? These four tips will help you get your sweat on when you don’t have time for an actual gym, and that’s exactly what you were looking for, isn’t it? Here’s to all of the great living room workouts to come!
--Labels and Lacquer girls
Images: Wix (4); helloturkeytoe/Flickr
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