One of the top reasons why people don’t exercise is that they don’t have enough time to go to the gym. Between driving there, working out, showering and driving home, it can be a time-consuming process. However, just because you can’t go to the gym, doesn’t mean you can’t get a great workout. Listed below are several exercises, some of which you may not be familiar with by name. A great resource to find out what these movements are and how to properly do them can be found at www.exrx.net.

Strength Exercises
Bodyweight exercises are simplest way to get started. Most require little space and minimal equipment. Push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges and planks should be staples in your home exercise plan. Incorporating weights into your routine will increase the intensity of your workout as well as allow you broaden the range of exercises you can perform, adding variety to your routine. Used free weights and kettlebells are excellent accessories and will last a lifetime, all for a small investment. Play It Again Sports and Craigslist are great places to find used free weights. Below are some exercises for upper and lower body.

Upper Body Free Weight Exercises
• Chest Press
• Chest Fly
• Upright Rows
• Bent Over Rows
• Shoulder Press
• Biceps Curl
• Triceps Extension
• Lateral and Front Raises

Lower Body Free Weight Exercises
• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Lunges
• Good Mornings

Cardiovascular Exercise
You don’t need to sink hundreds of dollars into a treadmill or elliptical that might end up being used as a clothes rack instead. A much cheaper, but effective tool is a jump rope. A quality rope can cost around $30, but should last for years. Running outside is also a great option, but try to avoid the hottest parts of the day by running in the morning or late evening.

Other Cardiovascular Exercises
• Burpees
• Double Unders
• Mountain Climbers
• Jumping Tap Downs
• Ice Skaters

Core Exercises
Your core consists of all the muscles in your midsection and lower back, not just the abs. The exercises listed below target all the muscles of your core.
• Plank
• Side Plank
• Supermans
• Cobras
• Crunches
• Reverse Crunches
• Hamstring Bridge

By combining elements from upper and lower body, core, and cardio, you can turn your home into your own private gym, and still get a great workout.

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