Who Needs a Gym When You Can Exercise at Home?
By Donna Stark
Maybe you don't like the strings that are attached to a gym membership, maybe that membership can't fit into your budget at the moment, or maybe you just can't figure out how to use those machines sitting on the other side of the room. No matter what the reason is for not spending your time in a gym, that doesn't mean you still can't achieve some great workouts every week! Take a look at some of the other options you can choose to get in shape and maintain optimal health.
Practicing Yoga
You don't need much space for this nor do you need any equipment, but a yoga mat and comfortable clothing are good to have. Yoga is a combination of physical poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation all rolled into one session, and can be easily adapted to your level of expertise. It's also a perfect way to incorporate some meditation into your day as well!
Exercising With a Stability Ball
The concept of a stability ball is simple ... by exercising on an unstable surface, your body will require the use of more muscles just to maintain its balance. Over time, this can help to increase strength, tone muscles (particularly your core), improve balance, and enhance coordination. It can also increase the number of calories being burned because it forces your body to move more.
Jumping Rope
A very simple and inexpensive addition to your fitness routine is jumping rope. In addition to burning all of those unwanted calories, jumping rope also helps to improve coordination, increase bone density, maintain great cardiovascular health, and decrease foot and ankle injuries.
Walking
The easiest and most obvious exercise you can do at home is walking. Actually, you can pretty much do it anywhere! Walking is a perfect low-impact exercise that can help you maintain or lose weight, increase cardiovascular and respiratory health, and reduce your overall stress and anxiety. It doesn't require any equipment (except for a good pair of shoes) and can be done at any time during the day!
Biking
Sure, cycling isn't the cheapest form of exercise on this list, but it is still a great, low-impact option that should be mentioned. Cycling helps to maintain a healthy weight, increase cardiovascular fitness, and improve strength and joint mobility. It also helps to reduce stress levels as well, especially if you are taking advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer and are riding outdoors.
Achieving Optimal Health Outside of the Gym
Who says you need an expensive gym membership to achieve great health? Whether you have an entire afternoon to kill, or can only afford 30 minutes to get active, these home-based exercises will definitely help to get you in shape with little to no cost!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Killeen, Tex.