Get Hot and Sweaty at Home

posted on 01-02-2012

We have a confession to make - the title of this article is a little misleading. Well, it is and it isn't. By reading this, you will indeed learn how to work up a sweat from the comfort of your home, but it might not be in quite the same way you were imagining...

Running on stair Work out at home!

We want to talk about the all-important topic of exercise. That dreaded subject which faces us all from time to time. The ever-haunting fear of getting out of shape (or trying to get into shape!); the notion of which can leave you breathless all by itself.

For many people, hitting the gym on a regular occasion isn't an option. Lifestyle, commitments and health issues make it almost impossible to sustain a routine, and the fact that most gyms are subscription based often means a lot of people are throwing away money each month; a double blow to those who don't visit the gym as often as they'd like.

Do it at home

At Gift Scoop, we're big believers that almost anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it. You might think you need a gym subscription and a load of expensive workout gear to get into shape, but the truth is that with the right, low-cost equipment, you can do just as much at home.

The exercise ball

Exercise balls (or gym balls) are large, inflatable balls which can be used to tone various parts of the body. Lie on your back, suspending the ball in the air with your calf muscles, is a great way to strength the thighs and buttocks. Sitting on the ball and performing small sit-ups will strengthen your abdominal muscles, helping to trim belly fat and develop definition in that area.

Take a look at our review of the Reebok exercise ball and learn some workout routines here.

Ankle and wrist weights

Wrist weights Add resistance to your routine

Perfect for wearing when walking around the home or office, wrist and ankle weights create resistance which will help you make the most out of any movement you do. If you don't get chance to go out for a run, simply wear them with normal attire. Coupled with a long run, these innovative little weights can really make a difference to your fitness over time.

Check out our review of these Everlast wrist weights.

The exercise bike

Indoor cycling - the perfect alternative for those who live in cities or simply don't want to suffer the rough British elements. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of exercise bikes on the market, varying in hi-tech digital solutions through to the most rudimentary models which offer little over that of an old man's push bike!

We have reviewed a few select models of exercise bike right here.

Trusty dumbbells

Generally more of a male thing, weightlifting is suitable for both genders depending on what you are trying to achieve. To build muscle, you need heavy weights. Perform 5-10 reps 4-5 times, and repeat. If you simply want to tone up, get hold of some lighter weights and perform 10-20 reps 3 times and repeat.

Dumbbells are amongst the most affordable and effective ways to exercise from home. Take a look at our review of these York dumbbells here.

If all else fails...

Okay, so if the gym isn't an option, and you can't workout at home for whatever reason, what else is left? Go for a run! It really doesn't matter if you live in a city, suburbs or in the middle of nowhere; there is always the chance to run. If you own a smartphone, download an app to track your running distance and average speed, and use this to set yourself targets. Running is one of the best ways to burn calories and keep the fat from forming, and best of all its entirely free.

What are you waiting for? Get going!