Is it possible to get a good workout at home? - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

mommaoftwinsplus1 · 03-08-2006, 07:17 PM

Hi...I am wondering if I need to join a gym to tone my body. I don't need an extensive workout program, I just want to tone up a bit. I have 3 very young children and it's hard to get motivated because I am very tired and busy with them. I could load up all the kids and head to the gym, but that seems even more of a chore. I am not overweight (5'5" and weigh 126) but I feel very out of shape. If you have some simple ways or ideas I can achieve some "firming up" at home, please let me know!

Mommaoftwinsplus1

Naxis · 03-08-2006, 08:22 PM

Videos might be the way to go for you. Pilates and strength yoga will help tone you up and get your body stronger. Something with aerobics like Tae Bo or any aerobics workout will be good for cardio vascular health. Try renting a few videos first to see which ones you prefer. You could actually just keep renting to keep it fresh (I'm a huge fan of Netflix for renting exercise DVDs), or buy a couple of your favorites. Another option is to get some resistance bands, an exercise ball, and/or dumbells and design your own workout. You definitely can get fit at home. A gym just presents a wider variety of options and equipment that isn't feasable for home use.
And even though you are definitely not overweight, eating healthfully can help give you more energy and will help get your body fit and healthy.

Commish · 03-08-2006, 08:58 PM

Pass on the health club. Your money would be better spent on some inexpensive equipment that was recommended in the previous post. An exercise ball or a yoga mat would do well. Even a set of dumbbells can offer a number of upper and lower body strength training exercises. You may want to try your local library for the videos or a good book with plenty of pictures.

I'm sure the little one's are keeping you in shape. They might even be wearing you down a smidgen. Try getting more rest. 7 to 8 hours if possible. Make sure your getting your allotment of water. And a good multivitamin helps to fill the holes where the diet misses.

Willapp · 03-09-2006, 03:48 AM

You can definitely get exercise at home, if you're motivated enough.

However, one advantage of going to the gym is that, by paying and going to the hassle of getting ready and driving down there, you providing another incentive to work hard for the time you're there. I've tried working out at home before, but I think it's much more difficult to stay motivated - too much temptation to give up and watch TV or something! By going to the gym it gets me in the right mind to focus on a good workout. To me that's worth the cost of a membership, plus you do get better equipment so can vary your exercises more.

Depends on how dedicated you can be to actually work out at home really. Running up/down the stairs a few times each day is pretty good exercise...

gib · 03-09-2006, 01:01 PM

Willapp nailed it, as that's the way it is for me. There's no way I could maintain the motivation and focus level at home like I do at the gym...period! Besides all the great equipment at the gym, the fact that I'm paying for it drives me to get my 'money's worth.'