The average person struggles to find time to work out. But try squeezing in these three basic exercises every day, says Brian Kennell, fitness manager and personal trainer at the Summa Wellness Institute. These moves will help you stay fit by doing just three sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Glute Bridge
Lie faceup on the floor with your arms at your sides and your knees bent. Push your feet into the floor and lift your hips until your knees, hips and shoulders are in a straight line like a ramp. Hold this position for three seconds while squeezing your glutes (your butt). Then lower your hips until your backside just barely touches the floor. "Your glutes are your biggest, strongest muscle in your body, and they're often just totally neglected," says Kennell.
The PushUp
Lie facedown on the floor with your hands beneath your shoulders and your toes touching the ground. Exhale as you push your body up until your arms are fully extended, keeping your shoulders, hips and feet in a straight line. Inhale as you lower your body until your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. "The [proper position] stabilizes your spine by keeping your hips from sagging or coming up too far," says Kennell. "A passive benefit of that is improving posture."
The Squat
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and move your hips back as if trying to sit in a chair that is too far away. Bend until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Then push upward through your heels to return to standing position. "Go as low as hips, knees and ankle mobility will allow you to," says Kennell. "That's very functional as you sit and stand up throughout the day. It helps to maintain mobility and balance."
