Not everyone can get to the gym, especially over the holidays. Or maybe you are on vacation or there's no gym near you that you can get access to. For whatever reason, if you can't get to the gym, don't panic–instead, relax and look for ways to work out in your living room or hotel room and get the same burn you would in the gym. Start with simple exercises like these ones and you'll be in shape in no time.

1. Push-ups 

Everyone loves push-ups–it's the perfect exercise to get your chest and triceps burning! Switch them up by using chairs or tables to balance your feet on for decline pushups or your hands for incline pushups. This way you get to hit all parts of your chest and will feel the same burn as if you were using a bench press at the gym. If you really want to challenge yourself, add in some clapping push ups or holds during each pushup to increase the burn.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

2. Core Exercises

Core workouts are some of the most versatile (and tough!) ones out there. There are so many variations and all are doable in the living room of your house, hotel room, or airport terminal. Situps, crunches, planks, v-ups, and more are all easy to do with limited space and will get your abs burning. 

3. Squats

You don't need equipment to get a solid leg day in. Squats are always going to get the legs working and if it's too easy, you make them ten times more difficult by doing one-legged squats. If you want to stay on two legs, grab heavy items that you have near you in the hotel room or living room (or your airport carry-on) and hold them as you squat to simulate squatting with weight on a bar.

4. Bicep Curls

You are going to have to get creative for biceps  curls on-the-go but you can use anything heavy from a suitcase to a milk jug to a water bottle to add resistance. As many reps as you need to feel the burn and then switch arms. Break and repeat for a couple of sets to get your biceps feeling good.

It's hard to work out when you can't get to a gym. However, it is possible–you just have to get a little creative. 

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on December 22, 2022, by Scott Abramson