Priority number one during Christmas is to enjoy yourself, so there’s no pressure to exercise. But if you do want to add a bit of mood-boosting movement into your festive season, there are some fun ways to get your fitness fix at home.
Take this 20-minute workout from Keep It Cleaner (KIC) fitness app co-founder Steph Claire Smith. The model-turned-trainer and entrepreneur created the low-impact session to help you get active and strengthen your entire body, without the need for any pricey equipment.
“For so many people, the festive period means a change to normal routines which can make it that extra bit harder to keep your body moving,” she says.
“This short, low-impact workout is my go-to for those days when I want to move in a way that is kind to my body. The no-equipment element means that you can do it anywhere and at any time.”
How to do Steph Claire Smith’s low-impact bodyweight workout
Perform the exercises listed below as a circuit. For each one, complete 45 seconds of work followed by 15 seconds of rest.
Once you’ve finished this 10-move circuit, repeat it one more time for a 20-minute workout.
- Calf raises
- Squats
- Sumo squat pulses
- Alternating forward lunges
- Hip thrusts
- Bicycle crunches
- Plank
- Shoulder taps
- Donkey kicks (right leg)
- Donkey kicks (left leg)
1. Calf raises
(Image credit: Kic / Steph Claire Smith)
Sets: 2 Repetitions: 45 seconds Rest: 15 seconds
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and your chest proud.
- Shift your weight into the balls of your feet then lift both heels off the ground as high as possible, spreading your weight evenly between your feet.
- Slowly lower your heels back to the ground and repeat. You can hold on to a chair or bannister if you need help balancing during this exercise.
2. Squats
(Image credit: Kic / Steph Claire Smith)
Sets: 2 Repetitions: 45 seconds Rest: 15 seconds
- Stand upright with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart and your toes turned out slightly. Keep your chest up, shoulders down, back…
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