Lazy Girl Workout, the alternative for those who hate sports

Let's admit it, the only thing many of us like about sports is the clothing: comfy tracksuits, sneakers, tight suits, the hairbands, the cute top and shorts sets that look like delicious candies to taste and to collect. Not to mention the accessories, from yoga mats to water bottles to pilates fitballs. We are hardly interested in the actual physical activity. In fact, it seems like a torture inflicted by a sadist. People who get up at 4 a.m. for a quick run, practice yoga, twist themselves in stretching, or engage in a series of exercises that leave them breathless (literally). Some even go further and train quickly at the gym, only to return home and continue with their daily commitments. All while the rest of the world sleeps blissfully under the covers. If you shiver at the mere thought of following this group's example and, instead, belong to those who used to hide in the bathroom or make up every excuse to avoid gym class in high school, but, alas, you are aware that exercise is a necessary discomfort to keep us healthy, you should consider the Lazy Girl Workout (LGW).

What is Lazy Girl Workout?

The Lazy Girl Workout consists of minimalist, light, and low-impact exercise routines that embrace simplicity and practicality and do not require the use of equipment. Therefore, it proves to be an excellent choice for those looking for a practical way to incorporate fitness into their lives, but who lack both energy and motivation and do not want to spend too much time. The philosophy of this new wellness trend revolves around the idea that fitness should improve our well-being, not stress us out and drain our few energies. Say goodbye to complex routines and Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics; most movements can be performed on your back or side, directly from the bed or couch, and take no more than 10-15 minutes in total.

Who is LGW suitable for?

LGW is the ideal solution for those who - after juggling work and personal life all day - have neither the desire nor the strength to put on leggings and sweat while performing squats, lunges, planks, and various other exercises. It offers a fun physical activity that does not require significant athletic preparation for those who do not like fitness at all but feel the need to do some exercises to tone muscles, improve posture, or reduce stress and anxiety. It is perfect during hectic periods when we feel particularly tired or have our period because it can be done even in pajamas, without going to the gym, comfortably at home or outdoors. Additionally, given the low-impact exercises, LGW can be a good idea for those with mobility issues or who have suffered injuries.

How to do the Lazy Girl Workout?

The Lazy Girl Workout adapts to the life and needs of those who practice it. You need to follow the signals your body sends and act accordingly, preferring simplicity and activities that you really enjoy: dancing, running, squats, push-ups, yoga, pilates, weight lifting, even gardening. If it makes you move and feel good, then it counts as a valid form of exercise. Think outside the traditional sports or workout schemes and creatively incorporate movement into daily life, performing a series of seemingly small actions that, combined, contribute to overall well-being. Think about it: while cleaning the house, we do many arm and leg exercises that can become real physical activity. And what if, while scrolling through Instagram, we cyclically lift our legs? If we do abs while reading a book or stretch while watching our favorite series on Netflix? If we wear Bala Bangles around our wrists, soft and elastic silicone bracelets with added small weights so loved by TikTok, while walking the dog? These are all examples of LGW.

The benefits

Even if it may not seem like it, Lazy Girl Workouts have numerous advantages. The most obvious is that they can be done anywhere and anytime without any equipment, still benefiting health and making us feel invigorated, more energetic, and calmer. Here are the other benefits:

• They are less intimidating and more beginner-friendly compared to traditional gym workouts.
• They are short, simple to follow, and many trainers online explain the exercises.
• They are useful for toning various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, glutes, and arms, as well as increasing flexibility and endurance.
• They help maintain a healthy physique and combat sedentariness.

The cons

It is important to remember that LGW does not replace regular physical activity but represents only a supplement to it. Despite the real benefits, this type of fitness is not sufficient to achieve significant results, especially if our ultimate goal is weight loss or muscle mass gain. If we want to lose weight and visibly tone muscles or seek intense sports activity that challenges our physical limits, we should aim for something more structured, turning to athletic trainers and expert coaches. In this case, the gym is the place to go to be followed professionally and directed towards the best activities for our final goals, taking into account our physical condition, any health problems, and lifestyle. Another downside of practicing LGW is performing exercises incorrectly, risking injury.