How to Exercise Indoors

Whether the weather is bad, or you just want to stay in, there are still ways to exercise without having to go out of doors. You can get a good workout without costly machines that take up a lot of room or require regular maintenance. Here are some simple ways to be able to get a solid workout in the privacy of your own home and not have the place look like a gym.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Open space
• Jump rope
• Small weights
• Exercise mat
• Television and DVD Player
• Exercise DVD

1. Clear a space for exercising. This does not have to be a permanent space. Move back furniture so that you have plenty of room to move your arms and legs freely. You also want enough space to be able to lay flat on the floor without touching any piece of furniture or a wall.
2. Begin with stretching exercises. These will help to loosen the body and minimize the chances for straining a muscle. Use simple toe touches to stretch the back and legs. Follow up with arm stretches, which are basically reaching as high over your head as comfortable.
3. Move on to simple calisthenics. These are the basic exercises most of us learned in physical education class in grade school. Include such basics as jumping jacks, deep knee bends, sit ups, and pushups. If you have not exercised in a while, start off with only a few repetitions of each, then slowly build your way up.
4. Lift free weights. Simple barbell shaped weights that can be held comfortably with one hand will do nicely. Use these weights to perform simple arm crunches, bending the arm at the elbow and bringing the weights from the sides to the shoulder.
5. Turn on the television and slip in the exercise DVD. Often, these will include plenty of simple exercises that are ideal for a cardiovascular workout. Spread out the exercise mat, as some of these exercises will require you to be on the floor.
6. Cool down. This does not mean collapsing in the nearest chair and having a cold drink. Once the main workout is over, walk around the home and allow your heart rate to return to normal. Complete the cool down with a few of the stretching exercises you employed before getting into the exercise program proper.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercising indoors and without a lot of equipment makes it simple and easy to get going. Since you do not have to spend time setting anything up, it is possible to get right to the exercise in no time.
• Move forward at your own pace. Too many people try to start out doing too many repetitions and become discouraged. Remember that you are not in competition with anyone. Start out with a few repetitions and gradually add more as your body begins to respond to the regular exercise.

Who Can Help: