Exercise isn't limited to the gym, there is no membership required to get healthy. With a little planning, you can create a workout plan that is both fun and good for you. The bonus is that you can do it all from home.
When considering working out at home, there are several aspects of the fitness picture to consider. You'll want to be sure you've got a plan for aerobic training, strength training, and stretching. You'll want to consider the weather in your area and plan both indoor and outdoor activities that will work for your location.
There are lots of options for aerobic training, including videos or machines at home, individual activities such as weight lifting, running, swimming, biking etc, or sports related activities such as tennis, basketball, racket ball or other active sports games.
Before you invest in expensive exercise equipment, take inventory of the resources available for your home? Can you install one of those portable basketball hoops in your driveway? Could you pick up a cheap treadmill at a yard sale?
Once you've taken stock in what is already available to you, you'll want to fill out your plan from there. You want to make sure you have a plan for aerobic activities when it is rainy or to cold for being outdoors. This is when the videos and indoor machines come in handy. If you decide on an exercise machine, considering the cost, you'll want to choose the one you are most likely to enjoy using. Videos are less expensive and take up less space, but if you don't think you'll use them, they would still be a waste. You want to make sure that you will use and enjoy any equipment that you actually purchase.
Depending on your current health and condition, you have options in strength training as well. If you are a beginner, you can build a strength-training plan using hand weights, bands and an exercise ball. Or just with a basic barbell and weights.
There are lots of resources online that can help you figure out which exercises to do and how to do them. You can build a routine and purchase all of the equipment you really need for under if you are willing to be creative.
If you have trained with weights already, you may want to go ahead and invest in a weight bench and some weights. However, you will still be able to work most of your muscles without investing in a large machine that costs thousands of dollars and fills an entire room in your house.
Stretching, on the other hand, is an activity that is critical to overall fitness but is often overlooked. Fortunately, you don't need any extra equipment at all to stretch. Again, a quick online search will lead you to many resources for stretching routines. If you'd rather have something a bit more structured, Yoga, Pilaties or other such videos can be used.
All of these activities can either be done at home, or based from home, don't require a membership commitment, and won't cost you a fortune. Best of all, regular exercise will help you both feel and look better. Remembering to vary your workout routine and make a plan for inclement weather will help you avoid loosing momentum and finding a workout partner will help you stay motivated. With all of this in mind, today is a good day to make your workout plan and get started.