We have been working out and exercising more regularly at home these days. We’ve overcome some barriers that before, with easy gym accessibility, never posed a problem. Not only do we not have access to machines, but we have limited access to smaller equipment such as weights, mats, bands, etc.
Popular exercises have emerged using towels, an accessible at home item, that have switched out gym sliders; an excellent piece of equipment that is used to modify regular strength training exercises in a more varied way to target muscles even more thoroughly. Want to find out how to use towels to improve your everyday exercise? Then read on for Towel Workouts: 5 Great Exercises You’ve Got to Try!
1. Spider-Man Planks
In a full plank position with a towel under both feet, ensure your back is flat to maintain a neutral spine. Engage the lower abs to tuck one knee in toward the side of the chest. Extend the leg straight again, making sure you don’t allow the hips to drop, and complete the same movement on the other side. Take your time to alternate each leg and squeezing upon any tension felt in the core. This will help you capitalise on ab toning, and who knows, soon it may even reveal your 6-pack!
2. Tuck Planks
In a full plank position with a towel under each foot, ensure your back is flat to maintain a neutral spine. Engage the lower abs to pull both knees in toward the chest at the same time. Extend the legs straight again, making sure you maintain a neutral spine and don’t allow your hips to drop. Make sure you keep your core tight at all times.
3. Alternate Rear
Start standing and slightly shift your weight onto your left leg as you place a towel under your right foot. Extend the right foot behind you, so that you start on the ball of the foot. Lower into a lunge position on the left leg, bending the knee at a 90-degree angle and keeping the knee over the heel. As you lower, slide the right foot behind you. Press through the left heel to engage the leg muscles, straighten back up, and slide the right leg in. Repeat on the other side.
4. Mountain Climbers
Start in full plank position with a towel under each foot. Keep your core tight and spine neutral as you engage the lower abs to pull the right knee in towards the chest, sliding your foot on the towel. Extend the right leg straight again using the tension in your leg muscles. At the same time, use the lower abs to pull the left knee in towards the chest. Continue alternating sides as quickly as possible.
5. Sit Ups
Lie on your back with your legs out straight and hold each end of one towel in your hands. Extend your arms over your head. Begin to engage your abs, as you flatten your back to the mat. Roll up one vertebrae at a time to sit all the way up, then reach toward your toes. Roll back down one vertebrae at a time and repeat. Ensure you are holding tension in your abs the whole time whilst maintaining good posture.
