Feeling tired and sluggish? Before you reach for that cup of coffee or energy drink, try these exercises that will help you get started with your day.
These exercises are designed to get your heart pumping, your blood flowing, and your energy levels up.
1. Jumping Jacks
This classic exercise is perfect for getting your blood flowing. To do jumping jacks, stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Jump up, spreading your arms and legs wide.
Then jump back to your starting position, bringing your feet together and your arms back to your sides.
2. Lunges
Lunges are a great way to work your legs and get your heart rate up. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward with your right foot and lower your left knee to the ground.
Then step back to your starting position and repeat with your left foot.
3. Squats
Squats are a fantastic lower body exercise that can also help get your heart rate up. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides.
Bend your knees and lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground, then stand back up.
4. Burpees
Burpees are a full-body exercise that can help get your heart rate up and boost your energy levels. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down and place your hands on the ground.
Then jump your feet back into a plank position, jump them forward again, and jump up into the air, clapping your hands above your head.
5. Mountain Climbers
This exercise works your core and gets your heart rate up. Begin in a plank position, with your hands on the ground and your feet extended behind you. Bring your right knee up to your chest, then switch legs, bringing your left knee up to your chest.
6. Jump Rope
Jumping rope is a fun and effective way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. Start by holding the jump rope handles at your sides. Jump over the rope with both feet, swinging the rope above your head and under your feet each time.
7. High Knees
This exercise works your core, legs, and gets your heart rate up. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your right knee up to your chest, then quickly switch to your left knee. Continue alternating your knees.
8. Push-Ups
Push-ups are a great way to work your upper body and get your heart rate up. Begin in a plank position, with your hands on the ground and your feet extended behind you. Lower yourself to the ground by bending your elbows, then push back up.
9. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are a fantastic way to work your abs and get your heart rate up. Begin by lying on your back with your hands behind your head. Bring your left knee up and twist your right elbow to meet it, then switch legs and elbows.
10. Plank Jacks
This exercise works your core and gets your heart rate up. Begin in a plank position, with your hands on the ground and your feet extended behind you. Jump your feet apart and then back together, like you would during jumping jacks.
11. Bear Crawl
The bear crawl is a full-body exercise that can help get your heart rate up. Begin on your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Lift your knees off the ground, with your weight on your toes and hands.
Move your right hand and left foot forward, then your left hand and right foot.
12. Plank to Downward Dog
This exercise works your core, arms, and gets your heart rate up. Begin in a plank position, with your hands on the ground and your feet extended behind you. Lift your hips up and back, into a downward dog position. Return to plank and repeat.
13. Spiderman Push-Ups
Spiderman push-ups work your upper body, core, and get your heart rate up. Begin in a plank position, with your hands on the ground and your feet extended behind you. As you lower yourself to the ground, bring your right knee up to your right elbow.
Push back up and switch sides.
14. Skaters
Skaters work your legs and get your heart rate up. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Jump to your right, landing on your right foot, and swing your left leg behind your right.
Jump to your left, landing on your left foot, and swing your right leg behind your left.
15. Side Planks
Side planks are a great way to work your core and get your heart rate up. Begin in a plank position, then shift your weight onto your left hand and turn your body to the left, lifting your right arm towards the ceiling.
Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
The Bottom Line
These 15 exercises are a great way to get your heart rate up, your blood flowing, and your energy levels up. Incorporate them into your daily routine, and you’ll see the results in no time.
So next time you’re feeling tired and sluggish, skip the caffeine and try these exercises instead.