Let's face it, even if you're 100-percent committed to
exercising regularly, sometimes it can be difficult to get motivated to hit the
gym.
There are a variety of reasons why the gym might not be the
best option for you. Maybe the monthly fees are too steep. Maybe you feel
self-conscious about working out around others. When people imagine a home gym,
they probably picture expensive pieces of complex equipment. If you have the
money and space for a multipurpose workout machine, that's great. But for many
people, the cost and size of such a machine makes it unpractical.
The good news is that you can put together an effective home
gym without emptying your wallet. In fact, you probably have most of the
necessary tools already.
1..Your
Body:
It's easy to forget that your body can be its own workout
machine. There are many equipment-free workout options: Push-ups, planks,
lunges, squats and the much-hailed burpee are just a few of the exercises you
can do at home -- no equipment needed. Between your body, gravity and the
floor, you have everything you need to get your heart rate going.
2. A Jump Rope
Every workout needs some level of cardio. You can always go
for a run outside, but for some people, running on cement can be terrible on
the knees and joints. The solution? Try jumping rope instead. Not only is
jumping rope great for cardio, it can help you increase agility, quickness and
coordination. Portability also makes it easy to take it along while traveling.
3. A Pull-Up Bar
I know people who groan when pull-ups are mentioned because,
well, they're hard to do. Pull-ups deliver an incredible workout to your arms,
shoulders, back and core. Spend a few minutes doing hanging knee tucks and your
abs will hate you in the morning.
4. Adjustable
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are amazing -- they provide a range of workout
options that are practically endless. With a single dumbbell, you can build
strength in almost every muscle group of your body. As you get stronger, it's
easy to increase the difficulty of your workout by simply adding more weight.
5.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are an affordable alternative to weights,
and they can also be used with other equipment, such as dumbbells or a pull-up
bar, to add variety to your routine. An actual resistance band is great, but
there are other things that can serve a similar purpose, such as a towel.
Simply grip the towel with your hands about six inches apart and pull outward
for three sets of 15 seconds each. You can adjust the elevation of your hands
to work out different parts of your body: directly in front of your chest for
your pecs, or above your head for your triceps.
That's it. With just a few items and a bit of research into
their different uses, you can develop a comprehensive home workout in no time.
The best part? You can have your own home gym for less than a third of what it
would probably cost you to join a gym.
Getting fit doesn't have to mean spending a lot of money.
Bring your workout home and keep your wallet happy.
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