Exercising at Home and on a Budget

Gym membership is expensive, but not joining one does not need to be an excuse not to exercise! In fact, there are so many ways to exercise for free, that there really is no excuse at all. Everybody can find an activity they enjoy, even in the simple surroundings of their own home. Sometimes people feel they don't have the energy to exercise. However, doing a small amount of activity every day can actually boost energy levels and provide motivation to take on other challenges.

So how can we exercise without going to the gym? Government guidelines state that the average adult would benefit from at least thirty minutes light to moderate exercise every day. Thirty minutes will positively fly if you fill it doing varied and enjoyable routines around the home. Objects and furniture around the house make excellent substitutes for gym equipment and planning a home 'circuit' can be a fun family activity.

It certainly isn't necessary to invest in a home gym to get the house ready for a workout. Home gym equipment is expensive at the high-quality end and once the warranty expires, the expense falls on you if it breaks. This can therefore end up as costly as joining a gym! The following are some suggested examples for home exercise activities that won't cost a penny.

1. Pushups – They build strength and stamina, with a focus on the pecs and triceps. Not necessarily everyone's favourite but there are variations to adjust the difficulty level.

2. Jogging or jumping on the spot – Great for the heart and lungs, this will give your fitness a real boost. It might seem hard work at first but perseverance is the key! Jumping Jacks are a great variation.

3. Skipping – With nothing but a simple rope, you can have a lot of fun and gain a fantastic cardio burn at the same time. There are many different ways to skip, so the workout can be kept interesting and varied.

4. Squats – Perfect for the thighs and buttocks, an area many of us like to target!

5. Leg lifts –Repeatedly raising and lowering the legs can build strength in leg muscles.

6. Crunches – With a soft surface to cushion the back, these are the ideal way to tone and strengthen the abdomen.

7. Light weight lifting – No need to buy expensive dumbbells! Anything around the house such as tins or plastic bottles will work.

8. Dancing – An activity that is particularly fun when shared with others.

How about dancing to music videos on the television? It won't even feel like exercise.

9. Step exercises – Step-ups tone leg muscles and improve fitness. Exercises can involve a few stairs or a whole flight, with much scope to adapt as fitness improves. Far more challenging than many gym workouts!

10. Wii console - Quality family time together while keeping fit too.

If there is enough space, a circuit room could be set up with all the activities ready laid out. Why not include a stereo with some motivating music? Imagine how much fun this would be as a shared family activity, everybody working the circuit together and someone in charge of the stopwatch!