If you are thinking about setting up a gym at home, there are three parts of the home gym workout you should consider – cardiovascular, muscular strength building, and flexibility. Be sure to include all 3 parts in your workout routine.
You can start by coming up with a plan for deciding which exercises you will do for each muscle part – for example, you may want to develop a chart to keep track of your workouts. For each part of the workout, take these suggestions into consideration:
Cardiovascular Workouts
Tools: Workout videos and cardio machines like the elliptical, stationary bike, and treadmill. Exercise equipment varies from simpler machines to extremely elaborate ones.
Benefits: Cardiovascular health, improved mood and sleep, burning fat/calories, improved energy.
Caution: Start at your level and not somebody else's. Make sure not to over-exercise at the beginning or you risk injury.
Muscular Strength Building Workouts
Tools: Muscle toning videos, weights, home gym exercise equipment (e.g., weight machines) and exercise bands.
Benefits: These workouts can be used to tone and/or achieve a bigger look. Women often worry that they will become too big, however normal muscle workouts just help get rid of fat, jump start your metabolism, and build some strength.
Caution: Be sure to use proper form and start with lighter weights to avoid injury. Consider talking with a professional, such as a personal trainer, to learn the proper form before working out at home.
Flexibility Workouts
Tools: Exercise mat, stretch bands, and yoga or stretch videos.
Benefits: Flexibility workouts allow the body to workout with less risk of injuries, because it allows for more fluid movement. Flexibility workouts can be done before and after other workouts to prevent muscle soreness.
Caution: Don’t bounce when stretching and only go as far as feels comfortable to avoid straining the muscles.
As with all new exercises, talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Rebecca
