Winter always brings the most challenging time for anyone looking to keep in shape. It’s colder and darker, making the idea of skipping the gym and getting warm and cozy on the couch very appealing. The last thing anyone trying to maintain their fitness (or for those looking to start getting in better shape) is to do away with the exercise just because its winter.
Instead, try spicing up your workouts. The following full-body moves only need basic gym equipment, such as kettle bells and resistance belts, and use them in some inventive ways. Trying these out will keep things fresh during your winter workouts, ensuring you stay on top of your fitness.
Pull-Ups with a Band
All you need for this one is a resistance band and a pull-up bar. Attach the band to the handles of the pull-up bar and then place your feet into the bottom part of the band. The higher the resistance setting is, the more help you will get to perform the pull ups.
Perform a pull up by bring your elbows down to the side of your rib cage and engaging your lats as you lift yourself into the air.
Keep performing as many reps of this move as possible!
Lateral Steps Using a Band
Another simple exercise with the faithful resistance band!
Start in the standing position with your legs hip-width apart and your legs completely straight, with the resistance band place just above your ankles. Perform a lateral step (lift your leg into the air) whilst holding the distance between your legs in place and keeping them straight.
You should be pulling at the band with the muscles on the outsides of your legs, performing 20 reps for each leg.
Single-Leg Hamstring Slider
Grab a core slider then simply lie on your back and bend both legs, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Place your feet into the slider.
Raise your hips towards the ceiling, engaging the butt at the same time, and hold. Continuing to hold, slide a single leg forwards by pushing the heel into the slider before pulling it back inwards to complete one rep.
Target 15 reps on each leg, and make sure your hips remain in the air and your butt is engaged!
Bench Step Ups
Place on leg on a forward-facing bench whilst keeping your other leg flat on the ground at the side of the bench. Make sure the leg on the bench is bent, then old in a 90-degree angle. As you do this, lift the second leg over the bench and down the other side and then bring back to its original position to complete a rep – be sure to keep the pressure on the motionless leg on the bench.
Complete 20 reps for each leg for a fantastic workout for your glutes, hamstrings and quads.
