If you don’t like going to gyms (like me) you don’t have to! You can get the same results (if not better) working out at home with very little equipment. If the idea of lugging yourself and your wardrobe to a gym everyday is impractical and unappealing, quit torturing yourself and create a workout space at home!

Gymaphobes, take heed: Creating a “gym” in your own home can actually increase your compliance with exercise because it is convenient, eliminating excuses; and you can see your equipment every day, so you get plenty of reminders to exercise.

When it comes to creating a workout space at home you need to balance two things: space and money. You can get great workouts in very small spaces. For example, if you like doing fitness videos all you really need is the space to move your body and some free weights for weight training. If you have a lot of space where you live, like in your garage or basement, you can create a more elaborate gym. In terms of money, if you have expendable income, go ahead and invest in top-of-the line exercise equipment because it will be the best investment you’ve ever made. But if you don’t have a lot of money, don’t worry, you really don’t need much to get an excellent workout. Money and expensive equipment are not required to achieve optimal fitness! Below are some ideas to help you get started.

If you have limited space or are on a budget:

• Dumbbells: a set of dumbbells, or free-weights, are all you need to weight train. And if you’re strapped for cash, you can just lift heavy, easy to hold objects like water jugs and sand bags.

• Exercise Ball: A nice big stability ball is great for a ton of different exercises; it provides a full range of abdominal workouts, tones hard to work back muscles, and doubles for a weight bench.

• Jump rope: Jumping rope is superb for aerobic conditioning and you can torch 200 calories every 15-miutes you jump!

• Sneakers: Good fitting sneakers are non-negotiable!

• Solid Chair: Chairs are versatile in a home gym. They can be used for triceps dips, jackknifes, step-ups, etc.

• Pull-Up Bar: These can be fitted in door frames. Chin-ups are hard but they are a fantastic back exercise!

• DVDs or Cable TV: When you workout with DVDs or with the fitness shows on cable, you can do all your aerobic work and resistance training in front of the TV. DVDs and fitness programs can be the best workouts because you don’t have to plan anything, you can try new workouts easily, and every time you do a new program you will work your body differently! There are super-convenient video programs offered for all fitness levels and you usually don’t need any “props” to get started.

• Used Equipment: Look at the classifieds, community websites, auction websites; visit yard sales, and ask around. With a little effort you can find amazing deals on used equipment like treadmills, weight benches, elliptical machines, you name it!

• Floor Mat: Floor mats are useful when you work out on hard surfaces because sometimes you need to get on the ground for stretching, flexibility exercises, abdominal work, and while doing exercise videos.

• BONUS! Mini-Trampoline: Mini-Trampolines are a great space saver and they pack a mean workout! They offer a great low-impact, full-body workout!

If you have extra space or extra cash, get the items listed above and add a few more:

• Machines: One great cardio machine like a treadmill, elliptical, stair master, rower, or stationary bike is ideal – but two are even better! Having more than one machine means you can switch up your workouts more often so that you and your muscles don’t get bored.

• Weight Bench: Benches are great for stabilizing your body during weight training. They can also be used for abdominal work, back exercises, step-ups, and triceps dips.

• Bent “Curl” Bar & Barbell and Weight Set: Dumbbells and ideally, a weight bench, are all you need for great weight training, but if you have the extra room and money, getting a barbell/weight bar, a bent bar, and some adjustable weights will make it easier to add resistance to leg exercises. They are also useful for people lifting really heavy loads.

• BONUS! Boxing Gear: Boxing offers a fun and highly effective workout! A quality boxing bag and a nice set of gloves and hand wraps will make it easy to do cardio, build strength, and blast calories all at once. Plus, you look really cool doing it!

Great Moves for Your Home Gym

http://foolyourselffit.com/?p=68

http://foolyourselffit.com/?p=280