Saying you want to start working out and getting into shape is the easiest part of a fitness regime. Actually doing it is a lot harder. Usually, the first the people do when they make a commitment to exercise is check out offers at their local gym. But even if the price is reasonable, it soon becomes money down the drain if you don’t go more than once a week.
Your wallet doesn’t have to be the only thing that gets thinner while you’re starting a new exercise regimen. Here are some suggestions to get you working out at home.
Yoga and pilates
One of the best things about yoga and pilates is that you don’t need a lot of fancy gym equipment to get started. You don’t even need a mat if you have a good bath towel lying around. The few bits of equipment you might need – a big ball, balance boards, and blocks – are considerably less expensive than a gym membership. If you’re not sure you can practice without a teacher to guide you, don’t worry. There are plenty on yoga channels on YouTube so you can workout at a time and experience level that suits you.
Weights
You can get buff in your own living room by investing in a few dumbbells or kettlebells. You don’t have to buy a full set to get your ideal workout. Get either the three weights you think you’ll use most often – like 5, 10 and 15 lb for women – or a set of good quality adjustable sets that add plates with the click of a switch. They range from 2 to 50 lb, and are a great foundation for a home gym. They’re compact and provide a virtually unlimited palette of exercise options.
While you’re getting busy lifting, you can’t forget to give your body the proper nutrition it needs to build muscles. When you lift weights, your body breaks down tissue, which needs to be rebuilt if you want to gain a healthy six-pack. Try finding a Bodybuilding coupon so you can buy the best protein shakes to help your body rebuild tissue.
Cardio
Running a few miles around the neighborhood is a good way to get your cardio workout, but it’s not very appealing when the weather starts to get colder. You have two options; you can invest in some fitness apparel designed to keep runners warm in colder weather, or you can do you cardio workout at home.
Skipping is a brilliant cardio workout to do at home. The up-and-down motion tightens the muscles around the organs, strengthening your core. If your ceilings are too low to accommodate skipping, you could try the “ropeless” skipping ropes that are now on the market. The “ropeless” skipping ropes are weighted handles that mimic the benefits of skipping without scraping or scuffing interiors.
Of course, if you have enough money, you could also invest in a treadmill so you can complete your daily run no matter the time of day or weather conditions.
Dance
Whether you buy a dance workout DVD, look them up on YouTube, or just blast the music on your radio, dancing is a fun and free exercise. Dancing is a full body workout that’s good for your heart, makes you stronger, and aids with balance and coordination. A 30 minute workout can burn as many calories as jogging. But unlike running on a treadmill, dancing is also a creative outlet; you can make up your own moves, learn established steps, and choose your own music. Also, dancing is a social exercise. Whether you go to a club with some friends, or go to a class and meet new people, you’re guaranteed to have a good time with an intense dance session.
One-off investments
If you think you can afford it without clearing out your savings, you can invest in one big exercise machine to keep you on track. You could buy a treadmill, exercise bike, or hydrow rowing machine to keep in your bedroom or home office as a gentle reminder.
Improvise
If you don’t have a set exercise programme in mind, there are plenty of suggestions for exercises you can do at home. Most of them don’t even require equipment, and they can be adapted for your fitness level. You can dip your feet in the exercise pool by accepting monthly fitness challenges. After a week, you’ll notice yourself getting stronger, and you’ll find it easier to complete the daily challenges.