Words by Kayti Murphree

Exercising at home or on-the-go may not be ideal; however, when you are in need of a workout or just looking to get started, here are a few exercises that can be done with a chair or park bench!

1. Tricep Dips: Hand placement should be about shoulder-width apart; keeping elbows parallel, lower your body to the floor and press back up. Start with three sets of fifteen repetitions!
2. Push-Ups: Hand placement should be about shoulder-width apart. Bend elbows and lower body toward the chair, and drop the body down to a comfortably challenging position. Start with three sets of fifteen repetitions.
3. Chair Squats: Begin by standing in front of the chair with feet parallel and hip-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your body as if you were going to sit down. When you feel your glutes make contact with the chair, come back to a standing position. Start with three sets of twenty-five repetitions.
4. Reverse Lunges or Bulgarian Split Lunge: Use the back of the chair or bench for balance. Take a step backward with your right foot and lower your body to the ground. Be sure to keep the forward-facing knee in line with the toes; the front and back leg should form approximately 90° angles. Start with three sets of twenty-five repetitions, alternating right and left leg for each repetition.
5. Plank: Place hands on the chair or bench, directly underneath your shoulders. Keep your lower back in a neutral position by engaging the glutes and abdominals. Bring your heels off the ground, and balance on your toes and the ball of your foot. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds at a time, and repeat three times.

Try these exercises on your own at home, and let us know if you have ideas for more!

For more fitness tips and to keep up-to-date with fitness in Cullman, be sure to follow the Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center on Facebook!