Staying fit and healthy can be challenging, especially if you don’t always have time to get to the gym. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goals. There are a number of ways that you can achieve great results at home, whatever your budget or living arrangements. Here are 3 efficient ways to workout at home and get great results.
- Weight training
If you have space and the money to invest, building a home gym can be a great way to workout without having to leave your home. Investing in an Olympic barbell, squat rack and bench will allow you to train almost all of the typical compound exercises used to build muscle, including squats, deadlifts, military press, and chest press. These kind of workouts are great for building muscle mass or losing weight. By varying the weight, set and rep range you can tailor your home workouts to your specific goals. The downside to home weight training is that you need strong floors and a decent sized space to dedicate to it. In addition to this, the setup costs can be substantial, depending on the amount of weight you intend to lift.
2. Bodyweight training
One way of avoiding having to invest in weights and other equipment is by doing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in your own home. HIIT is the latest training modality to become popular and involves performing short sets of exercises in quick succession with only a short break in between sets. HIIT workouts are quick and usually last between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on your ability level. HIIT workouts are said to be a great way to burn fat and tone muscle. There are a number of different DVD titles showing you how to perform these workouts at home and talking you through the various moves, such as burpees, jumping jacks or press ups. The benefit of HIIT workouts are that they can be done almost anywhere and the initial investment needed is minimal. However, given the nature of the workouts, they are not for everyone. They are likely to be unsuitable for anyone with ankle, knee or back problems or other underlying health conditions.
3. Cross trainer
One of the most effective pieces of cardio training equipment is the cross trainer or elliptical machine. Cross trainers are a great way to workout whilst minimizing impact force on the lower body, which is common in exercises such as running. The action of the cross trainer means that both the upper and lower body are used at the same time, meaning that you use many different muscle groups at the same time, including your biceps, triceps, core muscles, as well as the muscles in your legs. It may be time to pick up a pair of workout shoes and including some resistance training into your regiment. And the effect of using more muscles? You burn more calories. Cross trainers are a great way of helping you to lose weight quicker, whilst also building strength and protecting your joints.
You can read reviews of the best cross trainers on the market, and check their prices, on Elliptical Home’s website as well.
