According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a new study conducted by the University of Florida found that women are more likely to maintain a successful home exercise program compared with a group program. Get started by creating your workout space and purchasing some basic pieces of equipment. Create a workout schedule and stick to your plan. Tap into a variety of information sources for help. Change your program every three months.
Why Exercise at Home
The Consumer News and Business Channel reports that a typical gym membership can cost up to $800 per year. Working out at home can save you travel time and expenses. You may feel self-conscious about going to a gym and prefer to exercise in the privacy of your own home. You can enjoy the convenience of exercising anytime of the day or night. For example, you may want to work out late at night after the kids are in bed.
Create your Workout Space
A couple of simple steps will help you get started. First, create your workout space. It may be an area in front of the television or a quiet area where you can be alone, such as a bedroom. Be sure that you have enough space for the type of exercise that you will be doing and any equipment that you may need.
Purchase Equipment
Purchase an exercise ball. Exercise balls can be used to perform a variety of exercises. Consult an exercise ball height chart to be sure you buy the right size ball. Get two sets of hand weights, a light set (3 to 5 lbs.) and a medium set (5 to 8 lbs.). Consider purchasing an exercise mat if you plan on doing floor exercises. These items can be purchased at your local chain superstore and are fairly inexpensive.
Tap Into Information Sources
Tap into the many sources of available information. Research the Internet for sites that show videos of how to perform particular exercises. Some television networks provide exercise channels with guided classes. Purchase or rent exercise DVDs and videos. Check out DVDs, videos and books from your local library.
Stay Motivated
Empower a friend or family member to help you stay motivated. Make a schedule and stick to it as if your workouts are important appointments. Change your workout every three months to prevent boredom. Exercise outdoors when the weather is nice. Set small, attainable goals and track your progress. For example, if you want to lose 50 lbs. in one year, set monthly goals of about 4 to 5 lbs. Believe that you will succeed.
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