Working Out At Home

Editor: jensstore

Customize your own workout at home to save time, money and avoid the unnecessary commercialism of spas and health clubs.

For many, working out at home is the preferred means of exercising. It doesn't give you the excuse of wimping out. I mean, you can't say the weather is bad indoors now, can you? I also like working out at home because, when I would go to the gym, it really just seemed like a sleazy lounge for single (hopefully) buff men and women. It's pretty pathetic watching all those fitness magazine prototypes trying to score. Also, please don't get me started on the smell of the places. My home smells much better and while there, I'm not in competition with anyone but myself. Basically, that last statement is a mantra that I live by. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you’re behind, but in the end the competition is only with yourself.

There are so many DVD's for different types of exercises and different levels of expertise. Now I think that we all can admit to purchasing some exercise DVD's and programs that have been running continually on late night television. Raise your hand if you’re guilty. When watching those infomercials, however, you must proceed with caution. The first and last important thing you need to know about any type of exercise plan is that you must remove your butt from the couch and participate with the DVD. Just watching it won't help you loose any weight or get stronger. It just will help your wallet get thinner.

When choosing any exercise plan it is best that you carefully consider what you really feel like doing. If doing Power Pilates while lifting weights on your head doesn't thrill you, then by all means, stay away. Change the television channel and you'll come across another exercise plan that may be better suited to you. You need to choose something that you won't mind doing. Just try not to get seduced by all those fit, pretty people on the infomercials. After all, how many people have their hair and makeup done to go exercise!

NEVER, I repeat, NEVER, purchase anything from an exercise infomercial that requires you to put it together. Let's face it; every part of the body can be successfully exercised without the use of cumbersome and sometimes foolish-looking contraptions. Also, don't waste your money on abdominal equipment. You can safely and successfully work your abs by getting on an exercise mat and using the proper form. That's where a DVD will be very useful.

In all the years that I have been working out, I have found that the best exercise equipment can be purchased at a local discount store. For women, I suggest one, three and five pound weights if you are just starting out. When you become stronger, I would suggest adding some eight-pound weights. You might also like to try a medicine ball. They are so versatile and lots of fun. Also, an exercise mat is paramount. I use a yoga mat because you can store it easily and it is machine washable when it gets too stinky. I also love those large fitness balls. You can do abdominal work as well as push ups and planks. I also use them for a great upper body workout with weights and don't forget the lower body workout. Next, I would get a good pair of workout sneakers. Don't go cheap here. If your little piggies are screaming then you will stop your exercise plan. Go for the major name brands on this one. They have sneakers for all kinds of activities such as running, walking, dancing, and cross-training and, remember, support can be beautiful.

Now, go to another great place to pick up exercise DVD's. Online, you can go to CollageVideo.com and find ANY and I mean ANY exercise DVD. You can also watch a clip of the DVD before you purchase it so there are no surprises when you get it home. Collagevideo also has the best descriptions of each video. The descriptions will tell you the exact minutes of each interval of the DVD. From stretching, aerobic training, weight training, abdominals and cool downs. They also describe if a DVD is for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced exerciser.

You don't need oodles and oodles of expensive equipment to get started. Walking is the best exercise and it's free! Also, don't fret about not having a stepping machine if you really want one. Just use your own steps at your house. They’re free, too! If you have some paper plates and I ask you, who doesn't, you can use those too. If you have linoleum or wood flooring in your home just take two paper plates, step on them and start to shuffle your feet alternating from left and right forwards and backwards while pumping your arms. You can also move your legs in and out and let me tell you your inner thighs will love you for it. Talk about a great, cheap exercise. You can also use those same paper plates to work your arms and chest. Again, put paper plates on the floor and get in the push up position. Kneel down and put your hands on each paper plate. While keeping your torso straight, start moving your arms forwards and backwards, alternating from left to right. Then, try them in and out. Again, another great exercise.

Now, a little information about my workout routine. I like to alternate aerobic exercise one day then weight training the next, and so on. Aerobic training can be anything from taking a brisk walk, dancing to great music or using a DVD. I suggest that you don't limit yourself because you'll be much more inclined to stick with exercise if you mix it up. Boredom is a major killer of an exercise routine.

Now, to the weight training part. I know what you're thinking, you don't want to become The Incredible Hulk and, trust me, you won't. If you use the weights that I recommend and do high repetitions, you will form a nice, slender, sexy muscle. Women just don't have the body mass to create huge man-like muscles. I suggest three repetitions of ten to twelve moves. If you can't do that much, it's okay. It's important to listen to your body and start with a low weight. When you feel your muscle starting to get fatigued, just pump out one more and you're done. Don't forget to do the other side because you want to be symmetrical. I know you knew that.

Please consult your doctor BEFORE attempting ANY exercise routine because we love you and don't want you to hurt yourself.

I hope that I have inspired you to get up off that couch, computer chair or whatever your butt is sitting on and get out there. Your mind and body will love you for it.

Categories: Health | Fitness | Self-Help