Tips for Working Out at Home

The post yesterday about seasonal weight gain was the catalyst for todays topic. As I stare from my office window at another six inches of fresh snow that fell last night I think it would be a good time to discuss Tips for Working Out at Home. If you live in a climate with nasty winter weather like myself or hate to go to the gym to exercise, then these tips will help you to stay active and get moving even if you don’t want to leave the house to do it.

Yoga is one of many great exercises that can be done at home.

Not everyone can go to the gym when they want to work out, nor does everyone want to. The gym can be very intimidating, especially when you are starting out on your weight loss journey. If you feel uncomfortable there, you are not going to get a good workout, and you probably won’t go more than a few times before you give up. Don’t let this stop you or allow it to make you give up entirely. There are plenty of great ways that you can get a good workout without having to go to the gym or even leave the house.

Walking is one of the best types of exercise you can do, especially when just starting out. If you have a lot of weight to lose, this is one exercise you can do, even if you can only get around the block just once. You can walk anywhere. You may not have to leave the house to do it, though it does depend on how much space you have. Stairs are great, and can be added to your walking routine. Get out your IPod or portable CD player and start walking. For a list of low-impact exercises particularly suited for those who are just beginning to get active, I recommend the article “Exercising When Overweight“.

If you have children, you may have a good workout tool in your home. There are many children’s programs that incorporate music. These are great opportunities for working out, and if your children are home with you, they can do it too. Find a DVD that has a lot of music and dance along. You may only be able to get through a few songs at first, but you will find that you can get in a great workout this way. It’s easy, cheap, and a lot of fun.

Speaking of games, some video games can also get you breaking a sweat. I have a Wii system in my house and love to play the sports games. Tennis and boxing can get me out of breath and the Wii Yoga is very good for core conditioning. These games are great fun to play with other people, or by yourself.

You can also get your own exercise equipment to use in your home. You have to be careful with this, as you may get something you tire of quickly, and something that will end up being a clothes rack rather than a key to a new lifestyle. Think hard before you buy, and try out a few different things. Many find better luck if they stick with the tried and true like the treadmill rather than the latest things found on an infomercial.

There are many other things you can do for a workout without leaving home. Average, everyday things can help too. When you clean your home, put more actions into what you are doing. Put on music and dance around as you do the dishes. Think of small ways to add any amount of exercise to your day. Not only will your physical condition improve, your state of mind will be lighter as well.