How to Get in Better Shape at Home
While the gym is a wonderful option because of the many different types of exercise equipment it has, a gym membership is not an option for many people because they cannot afford it or for other reasons, like needing to be home with children. This is no reason not to get in shape, though, because there are many exercises you can do at home with minimal or no equipment, and they can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
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Things You'll Need
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Running shoes
- Resistance band
- Jump rope
- Yoga mat (optional)
Instructions
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Cardio
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1
Walk or run. While you can go outside and run a few miles, it is not necessary. If you have a staircase in your home, walk or run up and down it a few times, or jog in place.
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2
Dance to music. Either teach yourself a routine or just cut loose to your favorite tunes.
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3
Use the bottom step of your stairs to do step exercises.
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4
Jump rope, if you have one. You can vary your speed or even do it on one leg.
Strength
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5
Tie an elastic exercise band around a heavy piece of furniture, like the leg of a table or couch. Stand next to the furniture, and place one ankle in the loop. With your toes pointed, move your foot back and forth in front of your body until you feel a stretch, then turn around and switch ankles.
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6
Do push-ups. You can either do them with your knees on the floor or with just your feet on the floor.
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7
Lie on your stomach with your arms extended in front of you. Do "Supermans" by raising your arms and legs off the floor and holding the pose for a few counts. Repeat several times.
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8
Practice yoga. There are many videos available at your local library or for purchase for a small fee.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep a record of how many repetitions you do for each exercise, and increase this number by 10 percent every week.
If you are feeling pain, you are overdoing it. Build up your strength and endurance slowly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
