A Beginner Workout That Will Strengthen Your Body (And Fit Your Schedule)

Are you feeling a little rundown after spending all winter inside your home? Are you upset that you've packed on a little extra weight? You can get back into the groove of things again with an easy beginner workout. We'll provide you with a few basic exercises that you can mix up in your daily routine.

A great beginner workout not only helps you lose weight, but it can also keep away with winter doldrums that many people deal with through the cold and dark months.

Check out these five basic exercises to get you on the right track with your mind, body, and soul:

• Crunches

This sit-up style exercise is an excellent workout for getting rid of the pounds around your waistline. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and putting your hands behind your head. Then, curl your shoulders up towards your knees until they're off the floor. Start with one to three sets of 12-16 repetitions on your first day. You can also increase the difficulty of these crunches by raising your legs straight up.

• Squats

Do you want to tone and firm your glutes? Squats will help. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your head looking forward and your torso straight while you move your body down into a sitting position and back up to the standing position. This basic exercise will also engage your core to maintain your balance and develop stronger abdominals too. Complete one to two sets of 8-16 repetitions as a beginner. You can add some light dumbbells for increased difficulty.

• Lunges

This basic exercise is great for working on your legs including your calves (and glutes). You should stand with one foot in front of the other approximately three feet apart. Make sure your weight is centered. Stretch out one leg in front of your body and bend both knees until your back knee is almost to the floor. Your front leg and thigh should make a right angle. One to three sets of 12-16 repetitions is ideal if you are beginning an easy workout routine. Lunges are another exercise where holding light weights can increase the difficulty.

• Wall Push-ups

You can skip the regular floor push-ups and try wall push-up instead. Stand in front of an empty wall with your feet about two feet away. Put your hands on the wall shoulder-width apart and bend your elbows, just like you're doing a push-up. Do one to three sets of 10-12 repetitions; push up and down against the wall as though your body was horizontal even though it is vertical. The farther your feet are from the wall, the more difficult your wall push-ups will be.

• Bicep Curls

If you want to work on your arms, you've got to dedicate a few minutes to curls. Start by using light dumbbells, such as three- or five-pound weights. Stand with your feet slightly apart holding one dumbbell in each hand. Bend your arms to bring the weights as high as you can without moving your elbows. You can do curls with both arms together or alternate. For your first time, try one to three sets of 10-15 repetitions.

Always remember to stretch before you start any workout. Keep a bottle of water to stay hydrated, and never overexert yourself if you start to feel any unbearable pain. A beginner workout should help you feel better about yourself, but not make your body feel worse. After trying a basic exercise routine, you will gain strength and confidence.

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