The expense and hassle of going to the gym shouldn't be used as excuses for not working out. Gyms are a fairly modern convenience that aren't necessary for keeping your body fit. With a little creativity throughout the day--and a few pieces of equipment that are easy to keep around the house--you can enjoy the benefits of a gym right in your living room.
Step 1
Jump rope to work your heart. Jumping rope provides an intense cardio workout. If you don't have a rope or can't use one because of space limitations, mimic its use by holding your hands by your sides at hip level and bouncing on the balls of your feet as you pretend to jump an imaginary rope.
Step 2
Employ an exercise ball as a substitute for a weight bench. Lie on your back across the ball for chest presses, dumbbell flies and abdominal crunches. Lie on your stomach across the ball and arch your spine to work the muscles in your back.
Step 3
Wear a weighted backpack. Add books or other flat, heavy objects to a regular backpack to provide extra intensity while doing push ups, squats and lunges.
Step 4
Install a chin-up bar in a doorway. Some are installed permanently with a kit while others are temporary and can be put up and removed in seconds. Alternate between an overhand and underhand grip to work different muscles in your arms while you pull yourself up.
Step 5
Work with resistance bands in place of hand weights. Narrow or widen your grip along the bands to increase or decrease the amount of resistance. Use more than one for maximum intensity.
Tips and Warnings
- Add extra cardio to your day by taking the stairs whenever possible. When shopping, park your car at the back of the lot rather than finding the nearest spot. Fitness videos can take the place of classes and can be paused and replayed whenever necessary.
- Be mindful of furniture and walls. Make sure you have adequate space to move freely.
Things You'll Need
- Jump rope
- Exercise ball
- Dumbbells
- Backpack
- Books or flat weights
- Chin-up bar
- Resistance bands
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