Going to the gym is a pain. Most of the time it is crowded, smells funny, and generally just takes to much time in commuting. There is an answer to all this hassle. You can exercise at home anytime it is convenient, costs no money, and makes your medical insurance agent happy. Where do you start though? Here are five exercises you can do in the comfort of your Scooby Doo Underoos:

Push-ups

Push-ups are a staple of many exercises. The reason is they work your chest and your arms in one simple motion. Doing a push up can be done one of two ways.

The first way is to plant your hands on the floor. Your hands will be under your shoulders for spacing. Your feet should be on the same parallel as your shoulders. Now you just push up with your arms. Be sure to keep your back and legs in a straight line.

The second way to do a push up will help for those who cannot do a full push up. The form for this push up is much the same as the first example. The difference comes in the knees. Instead of spacing your feet parallel with your shoulders, you will use your knees for spacing. When you perform the push up you will keep your knees planted on the floor. This helps to cut out the weight of your legs and gives you a bit more leverage to perform the exercise.

Sit-ups/crunches

Sit-ups are pretty easy and work your mid section. If you have a bad back, you need to consider doing crunches. A sit up consists of lying on your back with your hands behind your head and your legs bent at the knee. (Feet touching your rump). Now bend at the mid section and bring your elbows to your knees.

Crunches take the same starting form as sit-ups. The difference is that when you bend at the mid section you only bend until you feel a good resistance in your abdomen.

Jumping Jacks

You remember these from your days in gym class. You jump into the air while clapping your hands above your head and spreading your legs. The following jump you bring your hands back to your side and bring your legs together. Repeat this process repeatedly. This is a great exercise as it works many muscle groups while providing a bit of cardio.

Squats

Squats sound like they need a gym to do, but they easily fit into a home exercise routine. Squats will work the largest muscle group in your body, your thighs. To perform a squat you stand up straight with your arms out parallel to the floor. Bend at the knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Once in this position, straighten back out and repeat the process. A few of these and you will have a great spring to your step in no time.

Back Extensions

Back extensions are particularly great for people who have back problems. The exercise is as easy as laying face down on the floor. Lift your head to look at the ceiling. Look up as far as you can. This is the basic back extension. You can add in lifting your legs at the same time to increase the difficulty.

Exercising does not require a gym membership. You do need to have some dedication to exercise at home though. Keep you health, medical insurance, and mind all happy. Spend at least thirty minutes doing these exercises and your body will be happier for it. You might even make the medical insurance gods smile on you.

Photo via mikebaird