Easy and Effective Home Workouts
Many people think that creating a home workout gym is either too intimidating or too costly. So, often they instead invest their money in a health club membership not realizing that for the same amount of money (or even less) they can create a very effective gym right in their own home. For an effective home gym, all that is required is a little bit of planning. Don't fall into the trap of purchasing random fitness equipment because of fancy advertising for the latest infomercial fad or the great "sale" at your local fitness store. That type of purchasing leads to a house littered with equipment that's only use is as a clothes hanger or dust collector. This often happens because the equipment is either useless, poorly constructed or quickly loses its value because it doesn't progress with your fitness level. To avoid having a basement filled with expensive dust-collecting equipment, keep these points in mind when making a purchase: What are your fitness goals?How often do you realistically think you will use the equipment?What fitness level do you expect to be at in 3, 6, 9 months?Will the equipment meet your needs as you get more fit (at the 3, 6, and 9-month marks)?Does the equipment offer enough variations in use that you can change your workouts frequently to prevent your body from hitting a plateau?Will you enjoy the exercises or will you quickly grow bored of them?And, of course how much can you afford?Once you have answered all of the above questions then you are ready to make some purchasing decisions. Of course, how much you can afford to spend may dictate what you can actually purchase. Don't get discouraged. For as little as $100, you can have a very effective total strength training home gym. Even for as little as $35, you can create an effective workout that will tone your entire body. Regardless of what your fitness goals are, there are a plethora of equipment options to consider. For building muscles and/or toning-up you can choose from free weights, selectorized machines, resistance bands, benches and even no-equipment. For cardiovascular improvements (e.g. running, walking, etc), there are even more options. They range from treadmills, to elliptical trainers, to bikes and beyond. So, answering the previously mentioned questions is very important. To help make your decision easier, below are several recommendations based on costs and needs, along with benefits of the exercise equipment. If you want to create a gym that will provide you with a total body workout (cardio, strength and flexibility) and you have a budget of at least $1000, consider the following recommendations: - Treadmill - The best option for cardiovascular equipment because it can be used for running, walking, and even some leg strength training. Plus, workouts can continually be varied based on speed, incline, even direction. And, it easily progresses as fitness levels improve.
- Full dumbbell set with weights ranging from 5 pounds to 50+ pounds. - Great for light toning, to intermediate strength training to building muscles. Less expensive than selectorized machines and usually provides more flexibility and variety in workouts.
- Fitness Ball - Provides exercise options for toning, strengthening and stretching.
- Resistance Band - Provides another option for strength training. Can alternate use with free weights for a great challenge that will help prevent plateaus.
- Step Bench - Can be used for both cardio workouts and strength training workouts.
If you want a home gym specifically for building muscles (or just can't afford cardio equipment), and can afford at least $100, consider the following recommendations: - Dumbbell set.
- Fitness Ball
- Resistance Band
- Jump Rope - Offers very challenging cardiovascular fitness workouts at a very low price.
If you want a total body home gym but can only afford less than $100, consider the following recommendations: - Three dumbbells sizes (e.g. 5, 10 and 15 pounds)
- Resistance Band
- Jump Rope
If you are limited to purchasing just one very affordable piece of equipment, consider buying a Fitness Ball. As mentioned above, it provides many different exercise options. With the ball you can get an upper body workout, a lower body workout, very challenging abdominal workout and a stretching/flexibility workout. And, you can get all of this for around $35. Also, don't underestimate what you can do with things that are already in your house, like stairs, a chair, milk jugs and others. There are a lot of exercises that require no equipment at all. For example, push-ups, tricep dips, squats, calf raises, etc. You can even create your own "weights" through milk jugs filled with water or sand. As you can see, there are a lot of options available for creating a home gym that will meet your individual needs and will provide a lot of workout variety. Even on a shoestring budget, you can still make a wise purchase that will be invaluable in helping you get more fit and healthy. And, you'll enjoy all the benefits of working out at home. What are the benefits of working out at home? Well, here are some highlights: - No wasted time driving to and from a fitness club
- No waiting in line to use the equipment
- Workout on your schedule, rather than just when the health club is open
- No expensive monthly membership fees or long-term contracts
- Motivation to workout as you pass by the equipment every day
Of course, you will need previous knowledge of how to use your home equipment or you will have to be willing to learn. But, it's not difficult. Most equipment will come with basic instructions and a few sample exercises. You may want to enlist the help of a professional to provide additional exercise options and guidance that will ensure that you get the most out of your fitness equipment through every fitness level stage. For an affordable workout plan personalized to your individual needs and available equipment, enroll in a WorkoutsForYou.com online fitness program. About The Author Lynn Bode is dedicated to helping people get fit. Through her website company, www.WorkoutsForYou.com, she offers affordable online exercise programs to help you lose weight, tone-up, build muscles, increase stamina and more. Custom programs for all fitness levels. Vist the site for a Free sample workout. info@workoutsforyou.com
MORE RESOURCES:
If you're not into yoga ...Sioux Falls Argus Leader, SD - 11 hours agoEast Bank Yoga is the latest addition. The center opened last week at 8th & Railroad Center. The center offers a host of yoga and meditation classes ... |
The medicinal powers of yogaCBC.ca, Canada - Sep 5, 2008But medical research that's been accumulating over the past 10 to 15 years is showing that yoga can provide health benefits that many people may not realize ... |
Reaching out through yogaFort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN - Sep 6, 2008She also hopes it can change the world, which is why the Indiana native founded the non-profit Yoga World Reach (www.yogaworldreach.org) in Vail, Colo., ... |
Yoga - Google News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Get Out and Play: Top 7 Outdoor Exercises
Do you remember when our parents used to yell at us to go outside and play? They would get so tired of us running around the house munching junk food and fighting with our siblings that they would practically kick us out of the house!Well, we may not have the same child-like activities lined up to get outside for anymore, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't still get out and enjoy the world! Exercising outdoors has many benefits, and they include the following:- Little or no equipment needed to get a good workout- No crowded gyms or obnoxious people to put up with- No driving time to the local fitness facility- No need to put on makeup or special clothing to workout at the gym- Vitamin D enhancing sunshine for our skin- The ability to workout anytime, anywhere - even on vacation- Two words: Fresh AirThere are probably other reasons that you can think of why an outdoor workout would fit into your particular lifestyle, so now all you have to do is learn what kind of activities can be done outside.Refer to the following Top 7 list of exercises that are sure to leave you sweaty, worn out, and feeling great when it's all over!LUNGESLike all exercises, lunges should be done with absolutely perfect form.
Exercise and the Time Clock
I have to admit that I sometimes find it amusing when someone knows I am a trainer and proceeds to elaborate on the hours that they spend in the gym. One example was a few years back when I was introduced to a nice young women, who proceeded to tell me that she went to the gym twice a day, an hour each time.
Integrating Core Stabilization into Your Workouts
Stabilization is a hot topic in the fitness industry over the past few years. But what is stabilization? Stabilization can be defined as the body's muscular systems ability to support (stabilize) the body during movement.
Your Guide To Exercise
Even light exercise is good for you, so don't get discouraged!The most important thing to remember about exercise is that you should pick something you enjoy doing first, and then worry about whether or not it's the best exercise for you later.The biggest mistake that most people make when they start an exercise routine is the choice of exercise.
How NOT to Return from an Exercise Break
Several sites, including this one, recommend that you take a break every 8 weeks after working out with weights. But how do you come back from that break and get back into your routine?Does anyone suggest you just jump back in and do the same intensity as when you last left off? Definitely not.
Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Exercising the Abdominals
The abdominal muscles are essential for maintaining good posture and core stability, however many exercisers are unclear on the correct way to exercise them. Traditional exercises for the abdominals include crunches and sit-ups also known as trunk curls and curl-ups.
How To Gain An Avalanche Of Energy!
For many people out there trying to become more energised and active they are terrified of committing to daily activity. It is so engrained in their minds that they might over train that they literally shy away from daily physical training and instead follow the herd and train two or three times per week.
Thirty Minutes of Exercise a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
"Exercise is good for you!" If you had a dollar for every time you heard this statement uttered, you'd be rich by now, right? Well, proponents of everyday physical activity aren't just blowing smoke when they repeat this mantra. Medical research has uncovered resounding evidence to back up this "good for you" claim.
10 Best Workout Tips
Top Trainers share their secrets to getting slim, toned and strong in record time. It guarantees that you will see results in no time.
Attention, Ladies!
Building those impressively sleek shoulders takes a great deal of raw grind but once you sport a shapely set, you'll quickly be separated from the rest. If you like to wear bikinis or summer dresses that reveal your upper torso, shoulder training is ideal in sporting a sexy physique.
Rotator Cuff: Exercises and Strategies to Prevent Injury
Have you ever experienced a dull ache or sharp pain in your shoulder or upper arm? Maybe you are unable to sleep on one side because your shoulder wakes you up at night. Perhaps, you have discomfort reaching behind your back to tuck in your shirt or grab your wallet.
How to Pick a Good Personal Trainer
One of the major benefits of the YourBestBodyNOW
Program and several other programs like it is that you can lose weight and meet your fitness and weight loss goals
even if you have neither the time nor money to get a personal trainer.At the same time, if you do ultimately decide to hire trainer at some point,
I want to make sure that you are going about it in a way that will bring you the absolute
maximum benefit.
Warning! Lack Of Exercise Could Be Harmful To Your Health
You know it's bad when the Surgeon General issues a warning that lack of exercise is hazardous to your health. And that was back in '96.
Exercises You Probably Dont Do But Should!
This is going to be kinda short and sweet. .
Muscle Cramps and Exercise
Quite often runners and exercisers experience painful muscle cramping either during or immediately following a strenuous exercise bout and as a result, these types of cramps have become known as Exercise Associated Muscle Cramps or EAMCs. Much confusion surrounds the causes of EAMCs including dehydration to electrolyte imbalances.
Online Fitness Coaching
If I were to tell you that you could burn away as much fat as possible by sitting at your computer twiddling your fingers and toes, would you believe me? Well I sure hope you don't!However, losing weight in the confines of your own home at your computer is not only possible, it's a reality. What I mean is that you can use the advice that's given to you through online fitness coaching to pursue a more productive way of burning off undesired fat and reach your fitness goals.
Top 5 Exercise Plateau Breakers
Plateau. That dreaded word that you do not want to hear, let alone experience.
Toning Your Abs - Common Exercising Myths
1. The 'Chew Then Crunch' MythCrunches are good exercises for toning the abs and stomach if done properly and combined with a low fat diet.
Different Exercises Schedule to Combat Hypertension, Obesity, and Asthma!
Different Health Problems generally do not allow us to do traditional exercises. Above all, one type of exercise cant be effective to each group facing different challenges.
How to Get Better Exercise Results By Improving Hydration
Water and ExerciseYour body excretes water in a number of ways: through urination, defecation, breathing (that's why we always enjoyed breathing condensation on mirrors when we were kids) and perspiration. And when you are exercising, your body can lose a large amount of water.
|
