It seems that many people have similar goals with regard to their bodies: lose weight, build some muscle or tone up, but fewer and fewer people are choosing to join gyms to try to achieve their goals. Some people don’t live close enough to a gym for that option to be feasible, and others just can’t afford the monthly fee. If you have a goal of getting in better shape, but for one reason or another you can’t or don’t want to join a gym, there are several viable options you can have at home to help you achieve all of your fitness goals.
Treadmills
There are few activities that burn calories as well as running, if you have some extra weight you want to lose or if you just want to get in the best cardiovascular condition possible, then running is an obvious choice to get you there. Running (or walking for that matter) is an activity almost anyone can do without a gym or fancy equipment. The problem with running outdoors is that the weather conditions can ruin your training.
A treadmill can be an inexpensive way to get your run/walk workout in without having to worry about the weather. Rain or shine; windy or cold, it doesn’t matter, with a treadmill you can get a great workout without leaving home.
elliptical
Elliptical machines offer a cardiovascular workout that can rival a good run or walk. Elliptical machines may cost a little more than a low-end treadmill, but they offer a unique advantage: almost no impact. If you’ve had a history of joint pain or issues that prevent you from performing high-impact exercises like running, then an elliptical machine may be just what you need to get a great cardio workout.
exercise bikes
Stationary bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are another great low-impact alternative to running for cardio. Bicycling is an excellent activity for burning calories and building general health, but it is advisable to “try before you buy” if possible. All stationary bikes may not be comfortable for everyone and the last thing you want when trying to get a good workout is to be stuck on top of an uncomfortable piece of equipment. If the store has a display model, give it a quick tour and make sure there are several settings to accommodate people of different heights and sizes.
home gyms
If building some muscle is part of your goal, then a home gym might be the right piece of equipment for you. There are literally dozens of different makes and models to choose from, each with different accessories and attachments to fit even the most complex training routines in a limited space. It’s a good idea to read some customer reviews before you buy to try and gauge the ease of use of each home gym. Some systems come with resistance bands, weight stacks, or resistance wheels; You want something that is easy to use so that completing your workout is a pleasure instead of a hassle.
spinners
Spinners are like a newer, more advanced version of an exercise bike. Some models offer wide ranges of adjustable resistance and tones of added extra conveniences you wouldn’t normally find on a typical indoor bike. Spinners are designed to give you the feeling that you are actually riding a bike and riders can ride DVDs that virtually put you in different places and situations while exercising. If you think traditional indoor cycling is too boring to get your attention, a spin bike might be a better option.
Whatever your workout or fitness goal, with the types and varieties of equipment available (you certainly don’t need to spend money or waste time traveling to a gym) you can get a great and tremendously effective workout in the comfort of your own House