Have you set a resolution to get into the best shape of your life,
but can't afford a gym membership, or you simply shy away from a room
packed full of treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights? Don't
worry—not going to a gym doesn't spell disaster. You can still achieve
your goals from the comfort of your own home.
The nice thing about home workouts is that they're high on the
convenience factor. Whether you have kids and don't want to hire a
sitter, or your schedule is just too hectic and that drive time to and
from the gym isn't possible, a home workout solves most dilemmas. Not to
mention, it eliminates any excuse for not working out.
Go Big, Stay Home
People often believe that home workouts are only for those who are just starting out, but that's not true.
Here are three at-home workouts designed by IFFB figure pro
Jessie Hilgenberg
and fitness and bikini model Lais DeLeon. They're broken down by
experience level, so whether you're green to weightlifting or consider
yourself a seasoned vet, you can get great results—no matter how busy
your life.
These workouts require no more than a resistance band, a set of
dumbbells, and the occasional pull-up bar. Pressed for time? No problem.
They can be done in 30 minutes or less. Just remember to stay
accountable.
Don't
fall into the trap of monotony. Instead, focus on introducing bands,
dumbbells, and body-training splits into your workout.
Because motivation can tend to wane when you're at home and could
easily browse the Internet or channel surf, it's important to schedule
your home workouts just as you would any other workout session. Make an
appointment with yourself—preferably at the same time each day or week
to get in the groove and maintain accountability. Once you surpass the
three-week hump, you won't even consider skipping your sweat session.
Also remember to add variety to your workout by changing up your
exercises or rep schemes. A limited array of equipment might mean you
have fewer exercises to choose from, but it doesn't mean you have to do
the same workout day in and day out.
Don't fall into the trap of monotony. Instead, focus on introducing
bands, dumbbells, and body-training splits into your workout. Try an
upper/lower-body plan for a few weeks, then feel free to change to a
full-body plan to help shock the muscles and keep them responding. The
more variety you can include as you progress, the better.
Be sure to perform a light warm-up before each workout and finish off
with some stretching at the end. Don't skip this. What you do today to
help increase your flexibly will help improve your performance for
tomorrow's workout session!
1
Beginner At-Home Workout Program
During the initial stages of a beginner workout, focus on getting
form down pat. Now is not the time to lift very heavy; it's the time to
perfect your exercise execution.
"Keep the weight in your heels during the exercises for the leg and
back," advises Hilgenberg. "This will help target your glutes and
hamstrings during the leg exercises and keep your posture and form
correct."
Jessie also recommends that you alternate between having your toes
pointed out, in, and straight ahead during calf exercises. This will
help to stress the calves from different angles, sparking greater
progress.
Plie Dumbbell Squat
When it comes to training your upper body, form is still essential.
"During your biceps curl exercises, keep your upper arms directly by the
sides of your torso without squeezing them inward," Jessie says. "This
will keep your elbows stable during the exercise."
This program includes three workouts per week, so take at least one day of rest between sessions!