Working out with a chair

You relax and lounge on your chairs at home. In fact, the last thing you probably think that your chair can do is give you an effective workout session. But if you want to, and with the right techniques, that chair you often spend hours relaxing on could be the very same one to help you achieve a toned body. As simple as a chair looks, it can facilitate workouts for both your upper and lower body.

Below are some tips:

Step-up (targets glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings)

Stand facing the chair with feet together and hands by your sides.

Step on to the chair with your right foot, then the left foot, and repeat the same pattern to step down.

Complete 10 to 12 reps, then start with your left foot.

Perform the side step-up by turning sideways.

Place one foot on the chair and one foot on the floor and then slowly lift yourself up.

Hold for a second and lower yourself back down.

Chair Squats

Stand with the chair right behind your buttocks.

Place feet wider than shoulder width apart and arms above head.

Slowly lower yourself by bending your knees. Once your buttocks lightly touch the chair, stand and repeat 10 to 12 times.

Split Lunge (targets thighs and buttocks)

Stand with your back to the chair

Lift your right leg and place the top of your foot on the seat.

Step forward slightly and lower yourself by bending your knee. Once your left thigh parallels the floor, stand up and repeat.

After doing 10 to 12 reps, take a rest and switch sides.

Captain's Chair

While sitting on the edge of the chair, grasp the edges.

Lift your feet off the floor slightly.

Keeping your back straight, lift your legs straight up and move your knees towards your chest.

Squeeze abs and slowly lower legs and repeat.

Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/210442-abdominal-exercises-in-a-chair http://www.livestrong.com/article/134284-leg-exercises-with-chair