Sweat it out.

Almost anyone can rattle off foods we must avoid in one breath – saturated fats, too much alcohol, white bread, sugary fried foods, refined carbohydrates, French fries, aerated drinks…and the list goes on…all of us are self-professed dietitians after all and think that the key to good health and great skin lies in avoiding all this. Well, it is partly true.

However, there can be no weight loss without exercising. And, given our sedentary lifestyle, getting into shape seems to be more of a challenge than ever. Often busy schedules and expenses of a gym membership, lead to many people never making it there.

So why not exercise in the comforts of your own home? Well, you can try doing this simple routine that would hardly cost you anything as it makes use of things you already have in your house. Most of these workouts can be done in 10-15 minutes.

Here are some activities:

1. You are sure to have a chair. Sit down and stand up. Do this for five minutes as warm up.

2. Move to the stairs. Start climbing up and down one stair at a time. In case there are no stairs, use a small step stool. Place it next to the wall so that you can place your hand on the wall for balance. Now go up and down on the stool. This will help tone your calf muscles.

3. Go and stand with your back against a wall. Keep your feet about a foot away from the wall. Now, slide down the wall until your hips are parallel to the knees. Keep your back pressed against the wall and place your hands comfortably on the thighs. Hold this position as long as you can, say a minute. This will help melt the fat on your tummy, thighs and buttocks.

4. Sit on a chair and hold water bottles in each hand. Curl them up toward your shoulders to work the biceps. You can do three sets of 12 with some rest in between sets. Drink some water while you rest. This exercise will work your biceps.

5. Walk up to your bath tub (you can also use a chair) and sit on the edge. Place your hands on the edge of the tub with your fingers hanging over the front edge. Pull yourself off the edge so that you are supporting yourself with your arms. Lower yourself down and up by bending your elbows. Do three sets of 12. This exercise is for the back of the arms, the triceps.

6. Take those water bottles again and this time open your arms out to the sides. Raise them till they are at shoulder level. Then return them to your sides. This exercise works your shoulders. Ensure you keep the same amount in each bottle.

7. You can finish your workout by lying down and locking your feet under the table. Now lift your hips off the floor and squeeze the hips and buttocks. Lower back down. This will put pressure on your tummy and the back of your legs. You can do three sets of 10 lifts.

In the end, please lie flat on the floor, arms by the side and legs extended straight. Breathe in and out while you relax.

Do this regularly and you are sure to be floored with loads of compliments in a few weeks! So, happy exercising. You have to sweat it out to stay fit and healthy.