How many times have you ever written down “I am going to start working out and live a fit and healthy lifestyle.” or something similar to that in your new year’s resolution? We thought so.
We all want to get healthier and have a fabulous physique but the thing is, the call of the couch is strong. Getting started is not the issue. The problem is sustaining it after you get started.
Many people want to get fit but either they don’t have time to hit the gym or they don’t have enough money to pay for monthly dues at the fitness club.
The good news is that you can get a healthier and more fit lifestyle in the comfort of your home. Whether you exercise indoors in a makeshift gym in your garage or outdoors on your deck under some polycarbonate roofing sheets from plastic sheet manufacturers, getting that much-needed workout is now within reach.
For a home workout to be complete, you need to include these five fundamental aspects of working out in your program.
Warm-Up
Start your exercise routine by increasing your muscle and body temperature by warming up. Doing so helps increase your body’s energy production rate which in turn increases your reflexes and decreases the amount of time for your muscles to contract.
It also helps prepare you mentally for your workout as it increases your body’s range of motion making it ready for the exercises you have planned for the day.
Cardio
Simple things to get your heart pumping and blood running are to do a few sets of cardio in each workout. If you have a stationary bike or a treadmill, then you can spend a few minutes on them. If not, a quick walk around the block, a few sets of going up and down your stairs (carefully, of course), a couple of sets of jump rope, or about ten minutes of dancing can help your heart get pumping.
Resistance
To help you build mass and tone your muscles, you will need to incorporate resistance exercises in your program. Squats, ab crunches, push-ups, pull-ups, barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands can all help in your overall muscle growth and development.
Flexibility
Flexibility exercises do more than just stretch your muscles and increase your body’s flexibility minimizing the risks of injuries. Floor stretches and yoga workouts also help calm you down and relax your senses, especially yoga which improves your posture and overall disposition.
Cooldown
Much like warm-ups, cooldowns help prepare your body for the end of your workout. It helps bring down your heart rate and blood pressure gradually when you’re done exercising.
Will working out at home guarantee that you will get the body you’ve always wanted? No. Not really. But if you stay motivated and disciplined in your routine, you will start to see significant changes in just a matter of weeks. When it comes to home workouts, commitment and consistency are the main things that will spell the difference between failure and success.
