Using Your Furniture As Gym Equipment

There’s no getting around it—sometimes, working out can be difficult. Whether you’re lacking motivation or can’t seem to find enough time in the day, there always seems to be something getting in the way of you and your workout. But what if we told you that you can work out without ever leaving your apartment? That’s right, your apartment can double as your gym! By turning your furniture into workout equipment you can save yourself the hassle of location issues, as well as the cost of a gym membership. No gym? No problem. Read on below to see how to get a full body workout, right in the comfort of your apartment!

Triceps dips

If you’re looking to tone your arms, focus on strengthening your triceps is a great way to do so. This basic exercise uses your own body weight as your resistance, meaning you don’t need much equipment. The only thing you need? A couch, a coffee table, or another sturdy surface. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place your hands shoulder-width apart on your gym equipment (furniture) of choice.
2. Slide yourself off the front of the surface with your legs extended out in front of you.
3. Straighten your arms until there is a slight bend in your elbows, and then bend your elbows down to your lower body until you’ve hit a 90-degree angle.
4. Once you’ve reached your 90-degree angle, return to the starting position.

Sit-ups

You’ve heard of these, right? No better time to start working on those beach-ready abs than now, right? If you’re looking to tone your tummy in the comfort of your own home, follow these easy steps!

1. Sit on the floor facing your couch, and slide your toes under the couch for added stability.
2. Place your hands on the back of your head and slowly lay back. Don’t let your head touch the ground!
3. Slowly sit back up, and your rep is completed.
4. Now keep going until you see some abs! (Just kidding, if only it were that easy).

Plank knee cross

You’re going to need a chair for this one. Ready?

1. Placing the chair in front of you, position your forearms on the seat of your chair and walk yourself out until you are in plank position.
2. Keeping your core engaged, begin by bringing your right knee up to your left arm, and then bring it back down to plank position. Alternate, and bring your left knee up to your right arm.
3. Keep going!

Squat & single-leg squat

Don’t put that chair away yet! We’re moving onto your lower body exercises.

1. Using your chair as your center point, stand directly in front of the chair and place your arms straight out in front of you.
2. With control, slowly lower your body like you are sitting in the chair. The only difference? Don’t actually sit!
3. Once you have lowered yourself so you are almost sitting, stand back up to return to the starting position.

To make things more challenging, lift one leg and extend to turn this movement into a single-leg squat. Can you feel the burn yet?

Leg raise

Using the same chair as before (who ever said chairs were just for sitting in?), get ready for some leg raises.

1. Turn your chair facing away from you, and place both hands on the back of the chair to maintain your balance.
2. Placing all of your weight in your left heel, slowly lift your right foot off of the ground and raise your leg as high as you can while maintaining a straight back. Hold for a few seconds, and then return to your starting position.
3. Complete as many reps on one side as you would like, before transitioning over to the other leg.

Well, there you have it, the full-body workout that you can do without ever having to step outside. Not too shabby, right? If these strength exercises aren’t enough for you and you’re in the mood for some cardio—moves such as jumping jacks and high-knees are a great way to get your heart pumping. Once you’ve finished, be sure to reward yourself with a healthy meal! Or some ice cream, whichever you prefer.

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