This is your year for exercise, whether you plan to tone your figure or simply maintain your current fitness level. But for whatever reason, a gym membership or personal trainer isn't in the cards. Whether you're looking to save money and time or add privacy and convenience to your workouts, exercising at home is right for you. But where do you start? Do your needs and fitness style make you a candidate for home gym equipment? Or are you looking for guided workouts on DVD or on-demand? Read on to determine the at-home fitness plan that's right for you, and get going.
Perhaps the most frustrating element of fitness is scheduling. Whether you work out at a gym or in your home, the same obligations and obstacles have the potential to thwart even the most dedicated among us. In choosing the home workout program that's right for you, first consider that you'll have dozens of reasons not to work out each day. Then make a list of exercises that you will be excited to dedicate time to. These should be on your short list for fitness. Do you love to run? Investing in a home treadmill can give you the flexibility to run at any hour and in any weather. Do you need relaxation at the end of the day? A guided yoga program could bring flexibility, tone and a reduction in stress to your body this year. You also must take into account your fitness goals. If weight loss is at the top of your list, you'll want to be sure that you have cardio options for your workout. Balance cardio with weight bearing exercises, which require hand-held weights or stretchy resistance bands, especially if you are looking to tone up this year.
You'll also want to note the space you have available to store equipment. If cardio is essential to you but an elliptical machine or treadmill is too bulky for your home, consider a rebounder (a small trampoline popular for indoor workouts) or a step (used in conjunction with a step aerobics workout). Both require little space but can deliver an intense cardio workout. If you'd love to invest in a home gym for total body weightlifting, but can't spare the space, look into smaller pieces of equipment like free weights or a pull-up bar. Many of the most effective exercises don't require expensive equipment, so try a low-tech workout before you invest money in your fitness program. You may find that you're able to achieve a comparable fitness level without advanced machinery.
While searching for an at-home exercise plan, look for flexible workouts that will offer you maximum variety. You won't want to be stuck doing the same thing week after week; change is better for your body as well as your boredom level! If you enjoy cycling, you might invest in an indoor bicycle trainer that converts your road bike to a stationary version for inside use. On days when you feel like getting fresh air, you can easily take your bike back outside. If you plan to follow along with a workout program on your television, look into acquiring a DVD collection that spans several workout styles or even a video game-based workout system like Wii Fit that will allow you to change your program each time you exercise.
Before investing in equipment and beginning any new workout regimen, talk to your doctor about any health concerns. Be mindful of your fitness level and remember that, with regular workouts, you'll develop your fitness level over time. And you won't need to leave the house to do it!
