Starting your day with a morning workout can be a game-changer for your overall well-being and weight loss goals. Not only does it provide a burst of energy to tackle your day, but it also sets the tone for a healthy and active lifestyle. In this article, we'll explore the #1 best morning bodyweight workout for weight loss, which can easily be done from the comfort of your home.
One of the greatest benefits of bodyweight training is its convenience. You don't need any fancy equipment or an expensive gym membership. All you need is a comfortable workout outfit and some space to move around. According to Orpa Anuz, a certified personal trainer from Blink Fitness, bodyweight exercises can make your everyday activities easier by improving your functional strength. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups, and when performed consistently and with high repetitions, they can contribute to weight loss.
Adding bodyweight training to your routine not only aids in weight loss but also enhances muscle growth, strengthens joints, improves core strength, and increases flexibility and mobility. All of these combined with proper rest, hydration, and nutrition can help you achieve your fitness goals.
So, let's delve into the #1 best morning bodyweight workout for weight loss:
1. Jumping Jacks: Start with a warm-up exercise to elevate your heart rate and get your muscles ready. Stand with your feet together and your arms by your sides. Jump up while simultaneously spreading your feet wide and lifting your arms overhead. Return to the starting position. Aim for three sets of 12 reps.
2. High Knees: This exercise focuses on hip strength, mobility, and engages the lower body. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides, and core engaged. Lift your right knee and left arm toward your chest, then alternate with the left knee and right arm. Aim for three sets of 16 reps (eight per side). For a modified version, march in place, bringing your knees to hip level with each step.
3. Squats: Squats are excellent for targeting the lower body and burning calories. Stand tall with your feet just outside hip-width, arms by your sides, and core activated. Lower into a squat by pressing your hips back and bending your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 12 reps.
4. Walking Lunges: Engage your lower body further with walking lunges. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, arms by your sides or on your hips. Take a big step forward with your right leg, bending your knee to lower into a lunge. Push through your front foot to return to the starting position, then repeat with your left leg. Aim for three sets of 12 reps.
5. Pushups: Pushups are a fantastic exercise for strengthening your arms, chest, core, and shoulders. Start in a high-plank position with your hands below your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to toe. Bend your elbows, lowering your chest toward the floor, then push back up to the starting position. Aim for three sets of 12 reps. If you need to modify, you can try knee pushups or wall pushups.
6. Planks: Finish off your morning workout with planks to engage your core muscles. Get into a high plank or forearm plank position, with your body forming a straight line. Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, and aim for three sets.
Incorporating this bodyweight workout into your morning routine will help jumpstart your metabolism, burn calories, and set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Remember to focus on proper form and listen to your body's limits. As with any exercise routine, consistency is key, so try to aim for at least three workouts per week, each lasting 30 minutes or more.
By making morning workouts a regular part of your routine and combining them with a balanced diet and proper self-care, you'll be well on your way to achieving your weight loss goals and leading a healthier, more active lifestyle.
