Home gym on a shoestring

You don't need to break the bank to break a sweat. If you are on a budget, follow these simple steps for an effective workout at home.

Cardiovascular activity

Cardio exercises help you lose weight, decrease stress, strengthen your heart and lungs, gain energy, and generally feeling better.

Some simple at-home aerobics include:

  • jumping jacks
  • jogging on the spot
  • invisible skip rope
  • running on the spot with high knees

Search online for alternate examples of more challenging cardio activities, or rent a workout video from your local library. For adults, aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity cardiovascular activity each week. Try to be active for at least 10 minutes at a time or longer.

Calisthenics

Calisthenics help you develop flexibility, increase muscle strength and endurance, and gain energy.

Typical calisthenic activities include:

  • lunges
  • squats
  • pushups
  • crunches

You can find more examples of calisthenic activities online. Try to include activities that target your entire body into your weekly routine. Shoot for 20 to 30 repetitions, gradually increasing by 5 to 10 repetitions each week until you reach your target.

Yoga

This mind-body-spirit activity is ideal for increasing flexibility, enhancing balance, toning muscles, increasing blood flow, and promoting a feeling of peace. A yoga mat, some floor space, a 30-minute beginner's yoga video, and an open mind are all you need to start learning the basic postures.

Weight training

Weight training is your ticket to strengthening muscles, burning fat, improving flexibility, and building bone mass. Dumbbells and barbells are low-cost tools to help you quickly achieve concrete results. Find a fitness book or search online for examples of total body strength training exercises. To start, perform 8 to 12 repetitions. In addition to your cardiovascular exercise routine, add muscle and bone strengthening activities at least 2 days per week to further benefit your health.

Exercise ball

This bouncy fitness tool is all the rage, and with good reason as it improves core stability, strengthens hard-to-tone muscles, enhances posture, and improves balance and coordination. You can purchase a ball online or at your local fitness store – ask the sales associate about the right size for you. The web is full of examples of exercises you can perform on the ball.

Things to remember:

  • Work within your comfort zone.
  • Choose a quiet spot with enough free floor space.
  • Breathe regularly throughout your workout.
  • Include warm-ups and cool-downs in your workout – 5 to 10 minutes of stretching will do.
  • For exercise beginners, check with your doctor first about your ideal routine.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Keeping-Fit