Working out is often seen as a bigger hassle than it really is. I think of myself as someone who simply loves working out, but even I can make up all sorts of excuses to keep from going to the gym.
Let’s see some of the excuses I had to face during this winter:
- It’s raining – I actually look at the sky and think to myself: wow, am I going out in that? Well, if I’m not going to workout when it’s raining (and I’m talking about going to a gym) then I am in for a nasty surprise come spring and I’m going to have to work twice as hard to get back into shape.
- I’m too tired – I know how it feels when you get home from work, fight to keep the noise of the kids from driving you insane and simply feel like you can drop into a 12 hour sleep in an instant. Thinking of going to the gym seems like too much of a hassle when you feel like counting sheep.
- I’m sick – Hey, I’m not telling you to workout with a 103 fever, but if all you’ve got are the sniffles, that’s like a constant condition for many people from October to April, so what are you going to do, not workout for 6 months?
- I’m trying to cut back on some costs and can’t afford a gym membership or equipment. The answer to that my friend, is that you don’t really need to spend money to workout. In fact, this is something that’s easy to do.
The truth is that all these excuses have to do with being at home while you workout. Whether what’s keeping you from going to the gym is the weather or the economy, you really have no excuse not to workout.
The truth is that you can do an awesome workout at home. Don’t tell anyone who sells fitness equipment that I said so, please (-:
While I also have a gym membership because I like the gym and it does offer some options that I don’t have at home, I also know how to train at home doing bodyweight exercises.
Your body is the best source of resistance you will ever own. Your own weight can be used to build your muscles and actually rev up your strength to something that’s suitable for you.
This is true for basically any body part. One thing you may need is a pull up bar, but other than that you can train every body part at home. Let’s see how:
Bodyweight exercises for various body parts
Legs – Squats, lunges, calf raises…
Chest – Push ups in all their variations.
Triceps – Dips on a couch work the triceps primarily and they also strain during pushups.
Biceps – Just take anything you can lift and do a basic curl. The biceps also work during chin ups and pull ups.
Back – chin up, pull up in any variation is an awesome back exercise.
Shoulders – Work during chin ups, pull ups, push ups, and you can do targeted exercises as well.
Abs – Come on, this is the easiest body part to work at home. All you need to work the abs is the floor.
And the great thing about bodyweight exercises that can be done at home is that they answer each and every one of the winter excuses:
1. It’s raining – Hey, you’re in your home now so do some exercises where it’s nice and dry.
2. I’m tired – You don’t have to exercise for 60 minutes. If you’re tired do a few minutes and you’ll be fine.
3. I’m sick – It’s the same solution for when you’re tired. Doing a little is much better than none at all.
4. Can’t afford a gym – Hey, all home workouts are free.
So, now that winter is at its coldest, stay indoors but be active.
