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2006/09/27, 05:15 PM
Creating a space in your home for exercise can be simple and inexpensive - if you are realistic with yourself and your fitness expectations. Often people will spend hundreds of dollars on a gym membership they never use, simply because they don't see results fast enough and the gym atmosphere can be overwhelming for a beginner. If your goal is to get fit, start simple and build your regimen from there. Often you don't have to go any further than your own home. Here are some tips for creating a home gym:
Think Motivation: Take a few minutes and think about what your goals are. Do you want to lose 10 lbs? Do you want to lower your cholesterol? Do you want to tone your abs? If these goals aren't all the motivation you need, then perhaps you need to dig a little deeper. Will losing 10 lbs. help you feel like you're a better mom? Do you feel like having a flatter tummy will improve your romantic life? Whatever your motivation is get real with yourself and write your goals down. This will help you to stay motivated and provide the incentive that you need to stay on track. Decide on an amount of time each week that you want to spend working out and divide that over several days. These shorter workout periods will help you feel like you've accomplished something without overdoing it - keeping you motivated.
Think Space: If you've got an extra 500 square feet of space in your home for a workout area, consider yourself lucky! For the rest us who don't, a little creativity can go a long way. A corner of the living room, the garage or the back porch can all be workable spaces, depending on what your exercise plans are. Choose a space that allows you enough room to move and stretch - preferably where your email and cell phone are out of reach. A well-ventilated space that is light, bright and free from clutter is ideal. Avoid your bedroom for a workout space if you can. It has a more 'relaxed' feel and chances are any workout equipment left in a bedroom will become a hanger for dirty clothes.
Think Planning: Once you've decided on a space, set it up so that it's a place you want to go - not a place you dread. If you seek privacy from a large open room, consider some foliage or a folding screen to define your space but keep the area light. Mirrors help rooms to feel bigger and will allow you to watch your form to ensure you exercise correctly. Rubber mats are good for concrete floors and a yoga mat will ensure comfort on any surface for floor exercises. Keep things in your space that will motivate you - a favorite saying, photo, or pair of leather pants - whatever will help you keep your focus.
Think Equipment: As mentioned earlier, it is wise to start simple when just starting out. You can spend thousands of dollars on exercise machines, but if you find you don't like them, you'll be stuck with expensive equipment. A variety of equipment can be purchased inexpensively and when you feel like you've mastered the basics, then consider the big money purchases. Use new equipment as motivation - once you've worn out the basic things you know you'll get your money's worth out of a workout system. Before buying any workout systems from TV, find a local store where the equipment is sold and check it out in person.
Not sure what to buy? A basic set of exercise equipment can be purchased for under $100. Look at discount retailers instead of sporting goods stores. Chances are you will find what you want for much less. Here are some suggested basics:
1 Jump Rope
1 Large exercise ball
1 Yoga mat
2 Pairs of dumbbells (One set that you can comfortably do 10 reps with and one set 5 lbs. heavier)
1 Resistance band with handles
1 10-lb. Medicine ball
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Bettia.... You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
-Mark Twain
ravenbeauty@freetrainers.com
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