Going to a gym can be a great way to motivate yourself to exercise. There’s positive peer pressure because you are in the company of others, and you spent several hundred dollars for an annual membership, so you had better use it! But even if you don’t have the money to spend on gym fees, you can still get a great workout. With just a few items, you will be well equipped to workout at home, and on the road.
Pass on the treadmill and stationary bike
You don’t need to buy expensive equipment to equip your home gym. In fact, you don’t even need a home gym to have effective workouts. All you need is a good exercise mat and room to move.
With the help of a few online videos, you can learn how to use your own body weight to develop and tone your muscles. If you want to add a little extra oomph to your routine you can pick up some light hand weights.
Some people also like to use exercise bands in their routine. These items are easy to store away and out of sight so your living room or bedroom don’t look like a fitness center, and they are really all you need to get fit.
The key to success is variety
One of the main reasons people give up their workouts is boredom. If the key to success is variety, then plan to mix up your workouts every week. On Monday, you could use a little motivation. Check out some online yoga and Pilates videos. They are free and new ones are posted all the time. There are also some great dance exercise videos online, and a very popular version of this is Zumba.
Download your favorite workout videos for use when you don’t have time to try something new, or when you aren’t in a WiFi zone. If the weather is fine, you might plan a brisk half-hour walk. On rainy days you can add a few trips up and down a flight of stairs. Keep yourself interested, and keep it fun.
Just bust a move
Our bodies were meant to move. So whenever the mood strikes you, your favorite song comes on or you get a burst of energy because it’s a beautiful sunny day, move. Stretch, dance, plank, push-up, walk and climb. Studies show that short micro-workouts throughout the day, on your coffee break or at the copy machine, can produce the same benefits as a regular thirty-minute workout, three times a week.
Need a little extra push? There are hundreds of workout coaches online who will work hard to motivate and encourage you in your efforts, for a price. Like a personal trainer (but at a much lower price), they will share their wisdom and enthusiasm so you don’t feel like you are going it alone. You can find these virtual workout partners on almost any social media channel. Check your own friend’s list. You’re almost guaranteed to find one there.
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