The Best Exercises for People Who Don’t Exercise

Celebrity trainer reveals best moves for the athletically challenged

Exercise is key not only for physical health, but emotional health as well. However, some people prefer to shed pounds without ever lifting a pound…that is, they would rather stick to a hardcore diet than ever hit the gym.

Joey Thurman, celebrity trainer to stars such as Terrence Howard, says, “I get so frustrated when people tell me that they ‘can’t’ work out. Some claim that they simply don’t have the time, while others say that they just built aren’t for it. I think that’s nonsense. Everyone’s body is made for exercise—and we all need to move our bodies in order to keep them healthy and fit.”

To those who would rather diet instead of exercise, Thurman says, “There is no denying that you can shed pounds quickly if you follow a strict diet. But you’re not going to have a toned, sexy body just from living on salad. You have to exercise if you want to look and feel your best.”

Here are Thurman’s best exercises for people who don’t exercise:

· Squats: “These are so simple and they require no equipment. Squats are awesome for your thighs, glutes, and calves. Position your knees so that they don’t extend past your toes, and then sit back as though you were sitting squarely into a chair. Don’t bend past your knees. Repeat 20 times.”
· Planks. “Again, these require no equipment and are awesome for your core. Lie belly-first on the floor. Flatten your elbows on the floor. Rise up on your toes and your bent arms. Hold for 30 seconds. As you become more experienced, you can hold yourself on your palms and your toes, and hold the pose for much longer."
· Crescent Moon: Lay flat on your back. Extend your legs and arms straight and hold them taut. Pin your core to your back and then rise up, holding your legs and arms in the air while you balance on your hollowed out core. “Keep your belly tight. You should have the shape of a crescent moon,” says Thurman. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
· Wall squats: Stand with your back flat against the wall. Keeping your knees straight in front of you, bend down with your back sliding down the wall. Hold this squatted position and then rise up. Repeat 30 times.
· Fire hydrants. Get on your hands and knees. “Lift your bent leg at a 90 degree angle (yes, the image of a dog using a fire hydrant might come to mind,” laughs Thurman, “Hold and release. Repeat 20 times on each side. Remember to keep your back straight and your belly tucked. No arching!”

About Joey Thurman: Joey Thurman is a health, fitness, nutrition expert and the creator of The Lifestyle Renovation, a website dedicated to helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. Joey was named the best trainer in Chicago by the Chicago Sun Times in 2015 and NEWBEAUTY.com's top 3 favorite celebrity trainers. He has appeared on CBS, WGN, FOX, ABC and WCIU sharing his insights as a celebrity fitness trainer, published author and nutrition expert. Joey’s work has been featured in publications such as U.S. News and World Report, NPR, People Magazine, Livestrong.com, BodyBuilding.com, Inspiyr, TimeOut Chicago, RedEye, American Global Traveler, CaliDiet, Chicago Sun Times, and Brazen Women.