Why Setting Up Your Own Home Gym is Smart... and Easier Than You Think! .. ("Fitness Friday")

"Fitness Friday"...
It all started with growing up in the middle of nowhere, and it continued as a poor college student. Later, it was more a factor of working really long hours, 7 days a week, then getting off very late.

Regardless of what stage of life I've been at, though, it's always been more realistic for me to accomplish my fitness goals without setting foot in a commercial gym.

So, I'm a big proponent of "if you can create your own space--physical, mental, and spiritual (in a non-religiousy way)--in which to work out, you're a lot more likely to achieve your goals". 

How's that, you ask? Because you're actually making more of an effort, right from the start, in the creation of that space... and thus, tend to be more invested in seeing your effort pay off.

Pilates Ring (or Pilates Circle)... versatile, inexpensive strength tool for upper and lower body

 I won't lie; it's best if you have at least some equipment to really do everything you need to do to be healthy and fit. But you can absolutely start with doing just-your-own-body-weight exercises, and gradually add in a little gear as you're able. Dumbbells and barbells won't break the bank--and can often even be found at Goodwill-type stores, for next to nothing. Stretchy bands and rubber tubing are really cheap, too. And, as long as you have something that'll play DVDs/Blu-rays, and/or have the ability to stream from online sources, there's no shortage of excellent workout videos out there.

A lot of basics shown here: dumbbells, weighted bars, and a tall step

[Obviously there are a lot more things you can choose whether or not to add--from big home equipment to a larger library of videos to smaller tools, such as gliding discs, steps, jump ropes, and punching bags--but whether you add any or all of the above is completely up to you.] 

Worried it'll be too difficult? Don't be. A good video instructor will cue you in to proper form--the most important thing you need to learn, both to see results and to avoid injuries--and the gamut of videos for any type of workout (strength training, let's say, or cardio kickboxing) runs from beginner to advanced.

It's also crucial, of course, to have appropriate shoes (true whether you're working out at home or at a fancy gym). Again, though, prices are all over the place, and if your budget is a shoestring, you can scour brick-and-mortar as well as online shoe stores for great deals (particularly on last season's versions). 

I'll discuss various pieces and other concepts (motivation, anyone?) in greater depth in upcoming "Fitness Friday" blog posts... but if there's anything you're especially interested in, or have questions about, be sure to leave a comment below! :)

Until then, Here's to Your Health!
~GlamKitty