Winter At-Home Workouts

Some snow has finally arrived here, and with it come slick streets, snowy sidewalks, and generally unhappy conditions some days.  Maybe you can't make it to the gym in time, or you just don't have the time to deal with it. 

I've worked in gyms before and I've heard the excuses and reasons.  (There are differences between excuses and reasons!)

Actually, when I was a trainer, I'd enjoy my workouts more at-home than at the gym, mainly because I would always be 'around' my work and never really felt that I left it or took a break from it.  It would definitely be annoying to have my workout interrupted by a gym member who couldn't understand that I was working out on my own and needed my own time.

This led me to get a host of home gym 'toys' and other things. 

Later on, I'd get kettlebells for my training business and kept them after I got out of the business, just because I wanted a kick-butt home gym operation.

Some simple solutions for an inexpensive home gym are:

1. Door chin-up bar - this is not only great for chin ups, but most can be used for raised push-ups and have ab straps for hanging ab exercises.
2. Push-up handles:  Handles can be stationary or rotating, I prefer rotating since its easier, smoother on the joints.
3. Adjustable dumbbells:  A great choice for doing a wide range of total body and single joint exercises. 
4. Exercise bands and door attachment:  Another great option if you need variety or other choices of exercises to use as substitutes
5. Kettelbells:  Of course, my personal favorite device, just a couple of your chosen sizes will do. It can be spendy at first, but for what they can give you in strength and cardio workouts, its a steal.
6. Yoga/Exercise mat: I have a basic foam mat to help make floor exercises more comfortable.

There are a lot of home exercise programs to follow, but one I highly recommend is, of course, Home Workout Revolution.

Why? 

1. No equipment workouts to start with.  Makes it great for travel trips!
2. Equipment can be added, as needed, for an increased challenge. Tired of push-ups? Do some band chest presses.  Try some chin ups or hanging ab exercises, try some kettlebells for a change.
3. Inexpensive: For under $50, ($70 less than other programs), you can download, watch, and get started ASAP instead of waiting for it to be shipped to you.   This whole program costs less than most kettlebells do!

Of course, I pair up other at-home workouts with my indoor bicycle and also kettlebell power workouts, such as Swing workouts.

It never hurts to have a few basic items for your home gym and make it a go-to option, any time you need to hit the gym.

Check out HWR here: http://tinyurl.com/cbhwrevsale

-------------
Coach Rick