Forget the gym, home workout can do the magic too

So many people find that half the reason they don’t workout is because they can’t get to a gym. For some crazy reason, that seems to cripple all motivation in a lot of folks and the idea of working out at home doesn’t seem to feature in the discussion.

I’ve recently taken to coaching a 20-minute online live workout session to try and spark off some interest amongst the excuse makers, myself included. As much as I love working out, I still create reasons not to make that trip to the gym.

So, to the busy ones, the tired ones, and the just plain lazy ones, I’m breaking down all the reasons why working out at home can work for you. Increasingly, people are buying equipment for their homes, but even that is not necessary considering the effectiveness of bodyweight exercises.

Imagine a regular routine of a quick workout as you wake up, everyday. Do that for two months straight and I assure you that your life will change. Time-sensitivity is just one of the many reasons to love working out at home. Here are some of the reasons doing your thing at home may just be a good decision.

1. No wasted time driving to the gym.
2. No wasted time waiting for exercise equipment at the gym.
3. No exercising on the nasty sweat left by the big, hairy guy on the exercise equipment at the gym.
4. You won’t have to watch all the people standing in front of the mirror taking selfies (Yes, I do it too).
5. You won’t be part of an over-crowded group exercise or boot camp class. They’re tough but they can be too intense for many people.
6. You won’t waste petrol driving to the gym.
7. You don’t need to spend money on exercise equipment when doing home workouts, but there are some awesome tools you can use to make your workouts more challenging, such as a stability ball and set of dumbbells.
8. You can do a quick workout in as little as 10 minutes if that’s all you have time for.
9. If you have more time (because you don’t have to drive anywhere) you also have enough exercises you can do to make your home workouts 30-60 minutes.
10. No wasted money on a gym membership or expensive, trendy group exercise or boot camp classes.
11. And while I don’t think anyone should feel self-conscious about himself or herself while working out, many people do. When you work out at home, you will have all the privacy you need.
12. You can do home workouts that will give you total, well rounded fitness results, including strength training, cardio workouts, interval training, metabolic resistance training, metabolic conditioning workouts, and bodyweight workouts.

10 Ways To Exercise At Home
Walking
If you have a flight of stairs, go up and down them a few times. This will help to tone up your legs, while getting some low impact aerobic exercise as well. If you don’t have any stairs available, just walk around the house a few times – it may not be very exciting, but it will do the job!

Jumping Jacks
These are always fun, who hasn’t done jumping jacks for fun as a child? Well, surprise – they are also great cardio exercises, and good for warming up, too.

Pushups
Not a peoples’ favourite, but while they can be hard to do, you can find easier ways to do them. Do them on your knees, instead of keeping your legs straight. Or, do them standing up against a wall. You will be building up arm strength and working out muscles in your chest area.

Leg Lifts
These are great for building up strength and muscles in your legs. If you find it hard to do the exercises with your legs straight, try bending them slightly.

Planks
A great core exercise. Keep your abdominal muscle tight and start with 15-second planks. Increase by 15 seconds every few days, as you get stronger.

Jogging In Place
Jogging is a great exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. The only equipment you will require is a good pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs.

Squats
These are wonderful exercises for your legs and bum. You can try these by sitting and standing up again from a regular chair, if you’re finding them to be too difficult. If you’re able to do a few repetitions, you will be your body may just be benefiting a whole lot.

Light Weight Lifting
No, you don’t need to go out and buy expensive weights for this, use whatever you find in your house. Start with something lighter, such as a can of peas, and work yourself up to heavier items. You can use laundry detergent bottles or even water jugs.

Dancing
Dancing is a wonderful exercise, which is great for your heart. Not only that, it can lift your spirits as well, and give your overall feeling a boost.

Step Exercises
Using the steps in your home, you can do repetitions, which will tone your leg muscles. (Just remember to be careful!)
No great science here, just get up and start exercising!