A home exercise program is a fitness program you can follow in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Working out at home gives you several benefits, including privacy, setting your own hours and never having to wait for or share exercise space or equipment.
Goals
A home exercise program works best if it meets several fitness goals. The most effective programs include at least 30 minutes of activity each day. The overall program should include at least 2.5 hours per week of aerobic exercise, two strength training sessions and other exercises that increase your flexibility, balance and core stability.
Equipment
Your home exercise program can use expensive, elaborate equipment or barely any equipment at all. The most basic programs do fine with a quality mat for floor exercises and free weights or resistance bands for strength training. A stability ball is effective for crunches, backbends and other exercises to work your core, flexibility and balance. You can invest in a home treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical and weight machines, although you can still get results without them.
Aerobic Training
Aerobic exercise is one that burns calories and elevates your heart rate for an extended period of time. Getting your aerobic fix with a home exercise program can be as simple as a brisk walk around the block, large yard or apartment complex. You can jump rope, work out to an aerobic dance or exercise DVD or ride your bike.
Strength and Other Training
Strength training works your muscles with resistance while core stability is strength training in your torso's core muscles. Flexibility can be yours with slow, easy stretches before and after your weight training and aerobic workouts. Balance exercises can be as simple as standing on one leg for a prolonged period. If you don't have free weights or resistance bands, you can still do strength training exercises with pushups, pullups or other exercises that use your body weight and gravity as resistance. Yoga and tai chi videos can enhance your balance and flexibility.
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