In the spirit of Throwback Monday, we wanted to share some of our favorite exercises that never go out of style. Some of the most practiced and praised strength training exercises are some of the simplest. Trying to get fit and lose weight? Follow the KIS method. Keep it simple & stick with history!
#1 The Push-Up
Talk about old school, the push-up has been around for longer than any of us and it's for a reason. It works! Pushups work your arms, chest and shoulders in a swift movement which builds definition, increases strength and can even improve posture. They are simple enough for beginners and can still be used by advanced trainers, with modifications of course.
If you’re looking for an advanced push up, lift up one leg at a time, try them with an arm behind your back or even try to clap after reaching the top!
Want an easier push up? Prop yourself up on your knees to get started.
Need some help? Check out these 7 Push-Up Mistakes You're Probably Making
#2 The Squat
Squats are easy to get started with, but get harder as you go. No pain no gain, right? If you are looking for the killer legs and butt you always wanted, squats are the way to go. Don’t believe me? All you have to do is Google: ‘squats before and after’ to see for yourself!
Need to do an advanced squat? Add a resistance band. Or, you can always pick up some hand weights to bring your exercise to the next level.
#3 Lunges
Improve your balance, improve your leg strength and get the butt you always wanted. Lunges provide a wide range of benefits without any additional equipment. Kingofthegym.com explain lunges, “target the quadriceps and the glutes most intensely, but also hits the hamstrings, calves and core.”
Get down and get started. But make sure you’re doing them correctly. Your front knee should never go over your ankle and your back knee should come close, but should not touch the floor. For more tips, check out this tutorial.
#4 Jumping Rope
According to the JumpRoleInstitute.com, there is evidence of jump ropes as far back as medieval times. Our ancestors got a few things right and this was definitely one of them. Darebee.com shares our sentiments. They share, “Few cardiovascular exercises deliver quite the same benefits as skipping rope.” They also offer plenty of exercises to bring your workout from old school to new school. Check them out here.
However, not just any jump rope will do. Make sure you choose the right one. We recommend Cayman Fitness’ premium jump rope with adjustable length and comfort grips.