Easy dumbbell exercises to fit into your daily life

Got five minutes? Pick up some dumbbells – your body will thank you! Even in this semi lockdown life we’re all currently living in, it still feels as though we’re pushed for time.

Maybe we’ve just gotten even lazier than before, but whatever the reason, fitting in a gruelling workout isn’t always top of our priority list right now.

But that doesn’t mean turning our back on exercise – instead, we need to make fitness work for us in this new normal. Your body will thank you, we promise.

All you need to do is invest in a set of dumbbells and read on. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt about your position simply move your home workout in front of a mirror so you can keep an eye on how you’re standing and holding your equipment.

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Lying Chest Fly

Lie on your back with your hips and knees both at a 90-degree angle. Using your lower abs, press your back into the mat. This ensures your abs get a workout too!

Holding a dumbbell in each hand, raise arms to the ceiling, palms facing each other but keeping elbows slightly bent. Keeping your torso stable, open your arms out to the side until your elbows are just off of the floor.

Bring arms back together. Repeat nine times.

Lying triceps extension

Lie on your back with one dumbbell in each hand. Raise arms above your chest, keeping elbows straight but not locked. Slowly, and carefully, lower both arms toward your head, bending your elbows as the dumbbells reach the floor behind. The aim is for each weight to land either side of your head. Lift arms back to start position and repeat nine times.

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Squat, curl and press

Start with your feet directly under your hips, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Sit back into your squat, keeping the weight in your heels, bringing your thighs parallel to the floor without letting your knees go beyond your toes. Push through your heels to return to standing while bringing the weights to your shoulders, performing a bicep curl. Stabilise your torso and keep your arms moving upward, performing an overhead press with the palms facing out. Lower your arms and repeat nine times.

(Cover Media/Reuters)