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Off the Wall Fitness
Your Home is All the
Support You Need!
Support You Need!
By Charlene Torkelson
Health and fitness feels and looks great! Of course, there are all those excuses for not having that great feeling: no space, no equipment, no time, no money. There are many machines and TV gadgets advertised to give you the convenience of more time and space. They become so tempting. After all, if you have convenience, you'd certainly do the exercises and look and feel better. If you recognize yourself in this description, why not try some exercises that are off the wall? That's right. All you need is a 2- to 3-foot length of wall or sturdy door and a few minutes of time.
Here are five exercises that will strengthen and tone different parts of the body, and all you need is a wall. The wall gives you balance and stability while you do your movements. If you have any physical or health concerns, of course, ask your doctor before beginning any new exercise program to make sure it is right for you.
Let's begin by developing strength in the arms and upper body without having to clamor to the floor. Stand about a foot away from the wall placing both palms to the wall at shoulder level and slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Keeping the body straight, lower your body toward the wall until your nose is almost to the wall, and then slowly push back to straight-arm position. Your body should slightly incline toward the wall with your feet further from the wall when you are upright. Holding and moving your own body weight with your arms, shoulders and chest muscles builds muscle tone just like doing push-ups on the floor. Begin with 10 and work your way to 50 push-ups each time.
