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What are the Best Tips for Fitness at Home?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

When developing a plan to get fit at home, it is important to consider the amount of space that can be used for exercise, whether that space can be dedicated to fitness equipment, and the amount of money that can be spent on equipment and instructional materials. It is also important to set up a fitness schedule and to stick to it as much as possible. A big part of this process is setting up a sustainable schedule that includes regular exercise but also takes into account one's present level of fitness and the amount of time that one can realistically dedicate to fitness at home.

When choosing a space to be used for fitness at home, take a stroll around the house and look for available pockets of space. Perhaps there is space for a treadmill, exercise bike, or stair climber in the family room, the basement, a guest room, or even the bed room. Those who live in smaller spaces or simply can't find much space for fitness equipment may want to consider investing in exercise equipment that is easy to store, such as step aerobics equipment or equipment that is collapsible. Also, create a budget for this equipment and begin looking for items that meet both spacial and financial restrictions. There are a number of videos for fitness at home that require little to no equipment.

A treadmill is a good addition to a home gym.
A treadmill is a good addition to a home gym.

Once the type of exercise equipment has been identified, it is important to create a schedule for using the equipment. A person who purchases an elliptical machine might set up a schedule for using the machine four times per week for 30-minute intervals. In addition to these workouts, the person might also follow an aerobics tape once a week to get a different kind of workout. Remember to schedule workouts for fitness at home and to add them to daily calendars.

People might use small weights around the house to help gain upper body strength.
People might use small weights around the house to help gain upper body strength.

An important aspect of fitness at home is being realistic about one's present level of fitness. Before beginning any kind of fitness program, including a fitness at home program, consult a physician. One's physician can recommend how much exercise one should attempt to get on a daily or weekly basis based on one's present physical condition. As one's level of fitness and health improves, one can begin performing more vigorous workouts and can also work out for longer periods of time. In fact, some at-home fitness programs are graduated so that people can move up through levels as their fitness increases.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • A treadmill is a good addition to a home gym.
      By: starush
      A treadmill is a good addition to a home gym.
    • People might use small weights around the house to help gain upper body strength.
      By: michaeljung
      People might use small weights around the house to help gain upper body strength.
    • Step aerobics is a high-intensity cardiovascular activity, which can easily be done at home.
      By: .shock
      Step aerobics is a high-intensity cardiovascular activity, which can easily be done at home.