Looking for a way to stay active and exercise regularly without the hassle of going to the gym every day? You can exercise right in your own home using these common household items.

Use the Stairs

No need to use the stair climber at the gym when the stairs in your home can give you similar results. Just 30 minutes of walking up and down the stairs can burn 175 calories. Just make sure you’re careful when doing so, especially if your stairs are made of hardwood.

Barre in the Kitchen

Barre workouts have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, but you don’t need to go to a studio to get the benefits. Kitchen counters are stable and can be used just like a barre. If you’re a beginner, start by doing some dips, pliés, and standing extensions, and other barre exercises you can do at home!

Trying to get in better shape? See more posts about exercise.

Strength Train with Bath Towels

Getting toned with a towel? Yes, it’s possible. Add sliding moves to your regular exercises to boost the intensity. To get an extra burn during your typical mountain climbers and bridges, fold a hand towel and put it under each foot. Towels can also be used for stretching. See examples here.

Do Resistance Training with a Chair

All you need to get a good workout is your own body weight and a chair. You can do triceps dips or squats with your back facing the chair, or sit in the chair and do seated bicep curls, hip lifts and oblique crunches.

Soup Can Dumbbells

Cans of soup are the ultimate weight-training tool. Use them in replace of dumbbells and do bicep curls, shoulder presses and deadlifts. Looking for more of a challenge? Increase the weight by using bottles of laundry detergent, cartons of milk or bags of flour.

If you choose to use household items as equipment, always remember to be safe. The same rules apply at home and in the gym. Don’t push yourself too hard and always listen to your body!

Do you have some favorite home exercises? Let us know in the comments.

Consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.