We have all faced a time at one point or another in which getting to the gym just isn’t going to happen. There are so many things that play a part in getting to the gym: I won’t call them excuses but….
- You gotta have the time
- You may need a babysitter
- The gym may be too crowded
- You feel likeyouI have to work out before going to the gym so you don’t look bad there
- You have no clothes to wear there
- Your ex-wife goes to that gym and you don’t want to see her
- It’s too cold outside
- Your gym partner is lazy and doesn’t want to go today
- The girl at the front desk keeps looking at your husband
- You don’t have the proper footwear
- You have no clue what to do when you get there
- It’s too hot in the gym
- There are too many guys working out
- The music is too loud
- The parking lot is always full
Whatever your reason is for not going to the gym, home fitness is a great option because you can do it whenever you want, in the privacy of your own home. You can get dressed up in gym attire or workout naked, totally up to you….
Here are my Top 10 Picks for Home Fitness:
1. TRX Trainer
This gym in a bag is the best kept secret in the Fitness Industry. You can use the TRX anywhere and it can give you a full body workout in 15 – 20 minutes. Works well from beginner to pro level athlete.
2. PowerBlocks
Don’t have room for a full set of weight in your house? Don’t want to spend $3000 on a full set of weights and a rack system to put them on? Then this system is for you. You can get 2.5 – 50lbs with the option to add-on later up to 125lbs. All of this for under $700 bucks. Best part is you can add on weight whenever you want.
3. Kettlebells
Get your cardio and strength training in one workout and throw in core as well and you can get it all done with kettlebells. I always recommend the competition version as they work the best for all exercise.
4. Ellipticals
What’s this thing all about??? Ellipticals are a great way to get your cardio done if you are any of these people:
- You have bad knees
- You have bad ankles
- You cannot run outside because of the impact.
- You have plantar fasciitis
- You have a bad back
- Your equipment has to be quiet….
If you are any of the above, the elliptical is for you. It works by taking away up to 80% of the pounding that you would get running outside. This means you will be able to train longer and hard and not worry about injury and recuperation. When looking at an elliptical there are a few things that are important:
- The machine has to fit well. If the machine doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- Noise is an issue. Make sure it is quiet.
- Recognize that an elliptical is still a very natural movement and your heels should lift through that movement just like when you walk. Any other way is wrong. Didn’t your Mamma tell you not to drag your feet!!!
5. Polar Loop
Don’t believe the hype, you have to track what you are doing to get results. Ask anyone who has had success in the their training and they will show you that they track their performance. The Polar Loop is one of several great activity bands on the market right now that lets you know the time of day, steps taken, calories burned and with an add on give you heart rate as well. It has great software too that you can sync with your iPhone and it basically tells you everything you are doing ,or not doing including sleeping patterns. It’s a great tool for getting started and a stylish reminder to get your butt in gear and get moving!
6. Sandbags
Yup, I said it. Sandbags. Some sand and a small workout area and you can get a workout done… Check out this full body workout with a sandbag.
7. Functional Trainers
How creative can you be in your workouts? Here is a home gym that has no limitation what’s so ever from bench press to chin ups, you can do it all with this machine. The best part is it doesn’t take up half your house like a bunch of pieces of equipment. One piece that actually does do it all for strength training. Whether you are a beginner just getting started or the Pro athlete you all can use this type of gym.
8. Spin Bike
Contrary to belief, cycling is not dead. Spinning is the reincarnation of the exercise bike. Unlike the tradition exercise bike the Spin Bike is adjustable in every way on top models and you have the feel of a real road bike. This is a great option for anyone to get their cardio in. A couple of things you want though if you are in the market for one:
Make sure you buy one that has a belted drive. Chain drive bikes went out with the 80’s because there is too much maintenance and they are way to loud. The handle bars and seat should be adjustable up and down and forward and back. Check the warranty – 1 year parts doesn’t cut it. You should get 3 years min. on parts. With a 1 year warranty they are telling you something and it isn’t good news.
9. Foam Rollers
This is the fitness tool of the ages. Sore muscles, stiff muscles, Circulation issues and/or General Pain? Your new best friend could be a foam roller.
There are many different options for rollers. Get it from a specialty dealer that knows about picking the right one. We carry 12 different types all designed to do different things.
10. Gymboss Timer
Never get lost in your workout again. The simplest of timers but it works like a charm. Set your activity time frame and your rest period and it counts your rounds. Works well at home or at the gym because it works by sound or vibration.
These are just my picks for this year. There are tons of fitness products out there to use to reach your goal. The Truth of it is all I ever want to see is to see people…
Always Keep Moving!!!
image credit: Alyssa O’Dell/Langley Times
