Getting some exercise is important, but you don’t have to join a gym and pay a large amount in membership fees each month. You can exercise at home! Before deciding what equipment (if any) to buy for home exercises, look at the pros and cons of training at home and see if it fits the goal you have set for yourself.

Pros of training at home

    • There is nothing more convenient than training at home. You can exercise at any time that suits you, play your own music and keep an eye on your family as well!
    • No overcrowding, weather problems or the noisy gym members moaning and grunting
    • You can work at your own pace
    • It’s the cheaper option.

Cons of training at home

    • At some time, your body will override the resistance body weight exercises can provide and you will then have to buy equipment
    • Lifting heavy bench press or squats requires a spotter who may not be available at home unless you train with a partner
    • You may lose interest and motivation, especially when you exercise alone.

Where to exercise

Exercising at home should be done in a place secluded from the busy areas of home. A garage or spare room is a good place to exercise as you can safely keep weights, exercise mats and anything else that you will need in there. Put on some music and start with exercises that do not require any expensive equipment or add a workout machine or two – and you are all set.

What are the best exercises to do at home?

A mix of cardio and strength training is ideal and it is something that can easily be done at home. Sit-ups, push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks and jogging in place are just a few of the exercises that you can do at home without the use of equipment.

If you want to buy exercising equipment, you may consider a home treadmill, rowing machine, exercise balls, weight-lifting equipment or products for aerobics, yoga and pilates. There are many different apparatus on the market and it would help if you do some research on the Internet before you buy.

Safety when exercising at home

Exercising at home can be dangerous if not done properly. You won’t have a trainer watching and guiding you and you’re on your own to figure out how the equipment work. However, if you follow some basic rules, you can have a safe exercise programme in your own home:

    • If you have a medical condition, or haven’t exercised for a long time, always check with your doctor before you start an exercise programme
    • Always make sure you’re doing proper stretches before starting the exercise programme
    • Start with a short exercise routine; you don’t want to start by overdoing it
    • Gradually increase your speed and endurance. Never try doing more than is physically possible for you
    • If you’re using any kind of exercise equipment, make sure that they’re in good condition and that you know how to use them properly
    • If you’re lifting weights, always make sure to get a spotter when you are doing any bench presses
    • Pay attention to your body. If you ever start feeling any pain, stop immediately and take care of the pain
    • Wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning on doing any walking or running exercises.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about exercising at home.

Sources:
http://www.exercisegoals.com
http://www.fitwatch.com
http://www.homefitnessequipment.org