Home Fitness Equipment and Workout Routines

Home Fitness

Home fitness doesn’t have to require expensive equipment or a big investment of either time or money. In fact you can create an effective, challenging workout without spending any money at all; simply using what’s available around you. Whether you’re exercising to lose weight, to tone up, or simply to stay in good health, here are some ideas on using your environment to help you.

Cardio
The best way to do cardio is to actually get out of the house. If you live in an apartment building, consider using the stairs for your aerobic training. Both up and down running can be helpful, as they work different muscles groups. If running seems too hard, simply walk the steps. If you have a backyard, gardening, cutting the grass or raking leaves can also become good cardio activities if done at the right intensity. Another good option is simply taking to the streets and making the most of your neighborhood by hiking, and jogging at the local park or biking around the block.

Toning
Toning at home is even easier. For example, you can work out both your arms and legs using a chair. For arms, simply put your hands on the edge of a chair or sofa (fingers facing you), legs straight out in front of you, and lower yourself as low as possible. For legs, do squats by lowering yourself onto a chair, like you’re about to sit down, but stand up again before touching the seat.
Push-ups, lunges, and regular squats are all great for a quick workout and need no equipment whatsoever. The same is true of crunches (both traditional and reverse, where you lift your legs, rather than your upper body) and full sit-ups. If you have your heart set on using weights, you can always take a couple of sealed metal cans (tomato sauce or beans are a good weight) and use that as impromptu dumbbells.

Daily Life
Rather than only doing specific exercises for 20-30 minutes a day, you can also look for ways to incorporate more activity into your daily routine. For example, do squats while brushing your teeth or calf raises when washing the dishes. Use the stairs as much as you can and choose doing things manually, rather than using a machine, whenever you have a chance. Many normal, everyday activities can burn a lot of calories, including mopping the floor, washing the car, shoveling snow, and ironing clothes. If you’re sedentary as a whole, home activities are a great way to get you moving, even if you don’t have the time or energy to get involved in a full-strength workout.

Basic Equipment
If you want to work out at home, buying a pair of dumbbells and a few DVDs can be a great investment. Both can be found for just a few dollars at most department stores. Second-hand stores may also be a good source for these items. If you can spend a little more, get a step. You can always use it while watching TV or doing other home activities. It’s a lot cheaper (and quieter!) than a treadmill.

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