Top 5 Home-Based Workouts
photo source: http://exercise.about.com website
For many of us, having to go to a gym to exercise is an all too easy excuse to skip a workout. Don’t get me wrong; gyms can be a great way to get fit. For some people, however, gyms serve more as a deterrent than a means. Regardless of the reasoning, you needn’t be discouraged and give up on working out altogether. Working out at home can be just as effective as going to the gym. In fact, research has shown that having home-based exercise plans and equipment, along with dividing your workouts into short increments several times a day, can add up to greater long-term commitment to exercise and weight management. The most important thing to remember when it comes to working out at home though is to choose something that works best for you. The following are some of my favorite home-based workout ideas.
1. Cardio Equipment: When entering a gym, you will undoubtedly observe numerous pieces of equipment intended for aerobic exercise. These machines range from treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, and others too numerous to name. Though it is a bit of an investment, purchasing a piece of equipment like this for your home can seriously pay off in the long run in terms of your health…if you use it. I personally recommend a treadmill or elliptical machine. Using a treadmill allows you to walk for a less intense workout or turn up the speed and incline for an intense cardio workout. An elliptical is a good alternative to the treadmill because it allows you to get a good cardio workout without putting as much stress on your joints.
2. Free weights, medicine balls, and balance balls: This can be a great way to strengthen and tone and requires very little space. Start out with a small assortment of varying weights and add to your collection as you discover more exercises or increase your resistance. A balance ball works your core and when combined with free weights you can get in a total body workout. An added bonus…many of the workout balls come with instructional DVDs or charts to help you get started.
3. Exercise DVDs: In any video store you will find an entire library of exercise DVDs offering an easy way to try countless numbers of workouts at home right in front of you own TV. Exercise DVDs are great because they allow you to do different kinds of workouts at home with each exercise demonstrated to ensure you do it correctly. But it can be quite overwhelming picking out which type of exercise is right for you; pilates, kickboxing, abs, dance, yoga, and just about every workout under the sun. When selecting a DVD choose a type of exercise that appeals to you, one appropriate for your level of fitness, and try to avoid videos that promise a “quick fix.” Not sure you want to invest in a DVD you might not like? Try a video/DVD rental program or your local library to try out some workouts at little or no cost.
4. Wii Fit: This Nintendo game has received a lot of press and is being promoted as the ultimate at-home exercise device. Not only does the Wii calculate your BMI, but it provides a number of workouts that can appeal to the entire family. By utilizing a “balance board” the Wii Fit can offer instruction for different exercises, track your weight, and act as a personal workout mentor. The Wii now has more fitness options that are also a great option for getting in shape. But like the treadmill and other aerobic exercise machines, the Wii Fit only works if you put it to use.
5. Dance Dance Revolution: This was the go-to workout video game before games like Wii Fit hit the market and is still a fun way to work out. Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) requires a large dance mat. Then you step on directional arrows in time with the corresponding onscreen arrows. Upbeat songs make it a fun workout and the game even tracks how many calories you’ve burned for each song. The DDR workout plan has even been put to use in research studies aimed at helping adolescents get in shape and manage their weight in a fun way. Don’t have a DDR game? Crank up the music at home and dance to your heart’s content…we won’t tell.
Tags: exercise, exercise at home, home-based workout, New Years resolutions, weight loss and exercise, weight management
RSS Feed
iTunes Podcast
January 13th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
I’ve been working out at home for the past 2 years and everyones been telling me to get the Wii Fit.
January 14th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Rahim, Thanks for your post. Those people telling you to get a Wii Fit…do they have one you can try out? I’m a firm believer in trying new exercise equipment out before you buy. If you have a friend with a Wii Fit, try it out at their house before committing to buying one. It may not be for everyone, but you may find you enjoy it!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Great (and practical!) advice!
I also want to thank you for your advice on the Daily Moderation blog… I had asked the question about getting back on track while feeling like a failure at my diet and fitness goals and you both gave such thoughtful answers and advice. I feel so fortunate to have recommendations and encouragement from you, and I’ve already been able to put it into practice! Little by little, I’m feeling like my ‘old’ self again, and I realize that this is part of the weight maintenance journey. so THANK YOU!!
January 25th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Mallory, thanks for your comment. I’m so glad that you are feeling a little more like your “old” self again.
It definitely is part of the weight maintenance journey. In fact, our 24-week Vtrim classes we often tell people that one of the benefits of being in a class for that long is so that you get the chance to experience those road bumps while you are in class still so you learn that it is a normal part of the process. Nobody is ever perfect with their habits. Learning to adjust to changes that come along is where you end up learning the most. Keep us posted on your progress!
January 29th, 2010 at 11:42 am
A very important and effective tool has been left off your list of home work-outs. I once worked with a heart patient who complained to the cardiologist that he couldn’t afford fancy gym memberships and work out equipment for his home. The cardiologist responded to him, “Walking is free”
February 1st, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Joan–you are so right about walking! In fact, Vtrim uses walking as the basis for our exercise recommendations because it is easy for most people to do and can be done just about anywhere. Many people utilize walking exercise videos at home when the cold winter months keep them inside. That’s another great way to get your workout done within the walls of your own home–whether with a video or just walking in place, around the living room, or up and down the stairs.