Some people don’t like the pressure that comes with going to the gym. You may think it is too expensive to maintain a membership or get uncomfortable and lost because you have no idea what the big machine in the corner does. Maybe your work schedule doesn’t allow you to drive to a gym. Regardless of your situation, working out at home is always a good option for staying active, and it doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
Here are some ideas of at-home exercises you can do. Whether you have three hours to kill, or only 30 minutes to move your body, these different exercises will come in handy.
Yoga
You don’t need much space or equipment for this one. The only thing you really need to practice yoga is comfortable clothing and a mat. It is a good exercise that allows you to adapt the moves to your level of expertise. We have several articles related to the different types of yoga and its benefits to help you find the one that’s perfect for you.
Pilates
You can find different pilates classes and most gyms, but you can also practice it at home. It helps improve your flexibility, increase muscle strength, tone your whole body, and much more. If you want to make it more interesting you can always add some things:
Stability Ball
Not only are they cheap, but you can also use them in many different exercises. Stability balls help you burn more calories because they add more movement, relieve back pain, tone core muscles, and improve balance.
HIIT
Short for High-Intensity Interval Training, HIIT has become extremely popular in the past couple of years thanks to its versatility and benefits. You can have different HIIT routines for different days of the weeks that target several areas of the body. You can also practice it at the gym – if you like to include fancier equipment in your routine – or even at home, where you can make it more interesting by adding some simple and inexpensive things:
- Jump Rope
Not only is it super inexpensive, but jumping rope helps you burn more calories than running does. You can burn as many as 20 calories per minute, and up to 300 in just 15 minutes! It also helps improve your coordination, cardiovascular health and breathing efficiency.
Trampoline
If you have a backyard with enough space, go and get an actual trampoline, but know there are other options if you don’t! There are 38-inch trampolines that are perfect for at-home exercises. Trampoline jumping improves lymphatic flow on the body, strengthens your immune system, reduces cellulite, and increases oxygen circulation.
Spin Bike
Yes, we know biking is supposed to be done outside, but there are other options. People are starting to invest in stationary bikes to keep them at home, and they still get the same benefits. It might seem expensive at first but put it into perspective. You could either spend $500-$1000 (once) on a bike, or $60 a month (every month, non-stop) on a gym membership. You’ll end up spending less if you invest in the bike.
Companies like Echelon offer you different models and prices so that you can find the perfect one for your home.
Walking
This might seem like an obvious one, but so many people tend to forget they can walk anywhere, anytime. If you live in a house with a backyard, go outside and take a couple of laps. If you don’t, walk to the end of your street and come back (and then do it again). You’ll stay active, get in contact with nature and get some fresh air. The benefits are endless.
