Picture it…you wake up one morning and decide to head to the gym to work out. You get there, only to discover the entire gym is closed. You check the website to see if any of the nearby fitness centers are open, but even those are all booked up. Essentially, there’s nowhere for you to go—you’re stuck. In this case, you could use home video exercise to your advantage. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of all the equipment you might need and some suggested exercises you can do at home.
Smart TV
If you have a smart TV, you can use it to your advantage when doing home video exercise. Many smart TVs have been built with a webcam and microphone so that you can do live video chats with family and friends while exercising. This can be a great motivation for getting to work out every day!
Bicycle
Bicycling has been shown to be one of the best exercises for weight loss. If you live in a mountainous area where biking is possible, you can use your bike as a serious workout tool and follow a workout routine. However, if you don’t have a bike, you can use an exercise bike that is designed for at home use. When choosing this option, make sure to buy one that is properly sized for the person using it. If you are planning on cycling more than twice a week, you might want to consider buying a used bike and doing some research on fixing it up before using it.
Elliptical Machine
The elliptical machine is a cross between a stride bike and a traditional treadmill. It allows for a wider range of motion while still getting the cardio workout. Many people consider the elliptical to be the best all-around gym machine because it allows you to work out while burning calories and watching TV. If you’ve ever had a gym membership but found it difficult to follow through with, perhaps one of these at home elliptical machines will be just what you’re looking for!
Treadmill
While most of the above items require a bit of an investment, a treadmill is much easier to buy and comes with an inbuilt incline that makes working out easier and more enjoyable. If your local gym doesn’t have an indoor treadmill, try looking for a used one online or at a garage sale. Many people have treadmills at home because they are such valuable workout tools! If you buy a used one, make sure to check the manual to see if it comes with any special features that could make working out more fun—like an incline or a TV!
Elbow Braces
If you play sports (especially basketball or volleyball), you know that throwing or hitting a ball can put a lot of strain on your arms. To prevent injuries and strain, you could use an elbow brace to support your upper arms when working out. The best elbow braces are vented, which allow air to flow through and prevent your arms from getting too hot. Make sure to try on the elbow brace before buying it, so you can find the right fit.
Walking Stool
If you have a walker, you know how difficult it can be to get up and down the stairs. If you have a lot of stairs in your home, a walking stool can be very helpful. Simply put the seat on the floor and use the stool for support as you walk up and down the stairs. The only downside to this item is that if the seat is not tall enough, it can be difficult to feel like you’re getting a good workout.
Medicine Ball
The medicine ball is a spherical weight that you might see people use in sports or in the military to practice throwing. It’s perfect for doing low-impact cardio workouts at home because it allows for a wide range of movement. You can even use it for strength training if you want. Simply put the medicine ball in the air and throw it against a wall. When returning the medicine ball to the floor, it’s important to do so with good form to prevent injury.
Rope
A rope is simply some material connected to another (usually on the other end) with a handle or loop for you to hold on to while working out. If you have a weight loss challenge or just want to get in a good workout at home, the rope is all you need to create an environment that feels more like a gym than your living room. Simply pull the rope up and down while performing your exercises to get the full workout experience.
From running to cycling to weight lifting, there’s an exercise to meet your needs. If you have a gym membership but can’t make it there regularly, home video exercise might be the solution you’re looking for. Not only will you be able to get the exercise you need, but you’ll also be able to connect with friends and family who are also working out and want to keep motivated. With a little bit of effort and imagination, you’ll have the perfect gym at home. Set some time aside today and begin working out – you’ll feel glad you did!