This Is The Guy In 2A & I'm Gonna Pump....... You Up!

Did you know that "Getting In Shape" is the number one New Years Resolution for over 70% of Americans? More importantly, of those 70%, not even half get past January before they stop going to the gym. Well, fear not my fellow comrades cause I'm gonna give you your no-nonsense, no excuse way to get in shape this year without ever leaving your apartment. This way, you can't even use the bad weather excuse for why you didn't go to the gym this Winter.

I'm gonna turn your apartment into a gym without a Bowflex! Here are 5 great exercises you can do in your home.

1. The Dirty Dozen - I learned this in college from a frat brother who thought he was Paul "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff.

So, you start with one regular push-up, then stand up and do a push-up against the wall at a 45 degree angle. Then, quickly jump back to the floor and do 2 push-ups then jump up and do 2 push-ups against the wall and repeat in this way- 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, till you get to 12! Don't rest too much in between and try to knock this out in under 3 minutes. This is a great exercise to do at home and you will definitely see results.

2. The Perfect Pull-Up

This is great for pull-ups & chin-ups and fits on any standard door frame. Actually, I prefer the knock-off version called The Iron Gym. You can grab it on-line or at any Bed, Beth, & Beyond. Even if you don't use it, your guests will still think you do.

3. Climb the stairs


Remember those things that exist in your building or place of work that are to be used only in case of an emergency? That's right, stairs. Climbing stairs is a great way to tone your legs and butt while getting a great cardio workout at the same time. Even if you have only one flight, no problem! Tip: try alternating single stepping with double stepping to work the different muscle groups in your legs (i.e. one flight single, one flight double) and you'll have the tush you've always wanted in no time!

4. Toilet Squats


Toilets aren't just for texting on your blackberry. They're also for motivating you to do more squats than you've ever done before- another great way to tone up your legs and butt. Pick up the lid and the seat (that's right, both of them) and knock out a few sets of 10-12 squats. Get down as close as you can to the rim of the toilet without touching it- this will ensure that you have proper form and are getting the most from each squat. Your motivation: not touching that rim. Want extra motivation: try this in a public toilet!

5. Re-arrange everything in your place!


This is a great alternative to you and friend fighting through traffic to get to the 6:00pm spin class. Also, it's a great way to make some quick and easy changes in your place. Step 1- invite a friend. Step 2- pick a room that can use some sprucing. Step 3- make a gameplan (i.e. sofa here, coffee table there, etc.) and give yourself a time constraint. The key: using proper form so you don't get hurt (see example above- Barack- great form, knees bent, head straight. Other dude... he's not lifting anything yet but it sure looks like those knees are locked). Disclaimer: The Guy in 2A is not responsible for any injuries associated with this post.

And if you act now I'll throw in this bonus workout video!!!

The Guy In 2A's NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 2011

1. Clean my apartment more- I like to think I keep a clean place but I do realize there is a big difference between picking up after myself and actually cleaning.

2. Conserve the Water- I know it's awful to keep the water running when I am not using it, but sometimes I am just lazy. This year I vow to not leave the tap running while brushing my teeth. You would be flabbergasted to see how much water we waste while brushing teeth. Read this article and see how you can save the fish!

3. Wallpaper A Room In My Place- This was on my list for 2010 and I never pulled the trigger. I've actually had a sample of the wallpaper I picked out for over eight months. This year I am going to buy a few rolls and do a wall in my place. I'll keep you posted on this and make sure to take a pic. This is the print I like that I found @ Walnut on Beverly.

4. Keep My Shower Liner & Curtain Mildew Free- I know, right? It's such a pain in the ass to hang a shower liner however looking at that moldy liner in the shower is just nasty. I'm gonna spend the $3 it costs and buy a new one. Also do you know you can actually wash the shower curtain in the washing machine. Add vinegar or a little baking soda to the detergent and it will be like new!

5. Learn to Cook- Seriously I want to learn how to cook and not just re-heat! I saw this cool place where you can take beginning cooking lessons and it doesn't look so intimidating. Hurry cause classes start January 10th!

6. Switch to a Single Server Coffee Maker- These are one of those inventions that make me think WTF why did this take this long (like when they finally figured out how much more comfortable it is to just print the tag of your t-shirt right into the inside rather than having an itchy hanging tag that says Jockey). Anyways back to the single serve coffee maker. It's so practical, easy to clean, and leaves very little waste.

7. Clean Out My Closet- and take it to Good Will. Here are some tips. If you haven't worn it for a year, throw it out. If you are keeping wool sweaters, turtlenecks and winter jackets cause you may move back East, don't! If it was in the "maybe" pile last year then put it in the "YES" pile this year.

8. Bang the Girl In 2C- Ha! Just wanted to make sure you are still reading this! But really I would like to get up the nerve to at least ask her out on a date.

9. Clean Out All My Drawers- in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. If that menu from that restaurant that went out of business in 2005 is still in your drawer throw it out, if you still have a prescription that says expires 4/2007 throw it out, if your jelly says good before June 2010 and you still haven't even cracked the seal throw it out!

10. Meet At Least One Neighbor- I have been in my new apartment for one year now and I am embarrassed to admit I have not said hi or introduced myself to any of my neighbors. No more uncomfortable elevator rides or midnight runs to the trash chute.

I really want to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year and it's gonna be a great 2011 for all of us!!!!!!!