Oh oh. Now that I've moved further out of the city it is no longer that convenient to drive downtown to visit the gym. I'm not always willing to drive half an hour each way.
I've been fighting this conclusion, perhaps in denial, for a couple of weeks now.
However, all is not lost. It isn't that hard to find bodyweight exercises that can be done at home. Also, while overheating can be an issue - even with a fan, the cooler fall season is approaching.
Here are some ideas:
Stair Climbing
They didn't invent the stair climber machine for nothing. This is great exercise and nothing is stopping you from walking up and down your stairs, at a reasonable pace and carefully, until you get winded or tire out.
Squats or Knee Bends
You'll want to practice "good form" while doing these. This means that it would be a good idea not to round the back. Since I throw a barbell on my shoulders when I squat at the gym, it will be important for me not to adopt a sloppy movement pattern. If simple squats are too easy then progress to one legged squats, known as pistols.
Push Ups
Everybody knows what pushups are. Do them from your toes if you are able to, if not, you can do them using your knees as the pivot point.
Shoulder Raises
I'm not sure if there is an official name for this, but if you hold your arms straight out to the sides and then raise them overhead, you'll eventually notice your shoulders and/or your traps getting sore. Congratulations, that's known as exercise.
Pull Ups
If you are fairly good shape you may be able to do pullups. There are devices that can be attached in door frames that will let you pull yourself up. However, if you are too tall it might be difficult to get a good range of motion with this exercise. Be aware, it can be very difficult for a sendentary person to achieve even one pullup, so make sure you can do one before you purchase anything.
Sit Ups
Situps, or perhaps crunches, are a well know way to work on your ab muscles. Don't even imagine that you can spot reduce by doing ab work as you can't. However, this doesn't mean you should neglect this muscle group.
Bodyweight Rows
Again, I'm not certain what to call this, but if you lie on your back you can reach up and grab your pullup bar. In reality, you'll want the bar a couple inches out of reach if you are lying down. Anyway, this move is the opposite of a pushup and will help work your back.
Bridges
A bridge is when you brace your core and lift your stomach or back off the floor using your head and feet. Here is a definition on Wikipedia. This is less familiar to most people so I'll just suggest you go look it up and view online examples before trying to do them.
Running, Walking, Hiking
Depending on where you live, and your fitness level, it might be appropriate to get outdoors and move around. Heck, in the winter you can add ice scraping and shoveling to your exercise routine.
Anyway, I think you get the idea. These exercises are available to everyone at very low cost. Don't let lack of a gym membership, or the convenience of a gym, get between you and an appropriate level of fitness. Remember, health is job one, don't neglect it.
Today's meal idea is brought to you by the words "tired" and "lazy". Hey, it's Friday night, I don't want to spend any significant time cooking tonight. Besides, we had a nice roast with baked potatoes just a few days ago.
Beware! There are hidden expenses that might be built into your lifestyle. They are nearly invisible and can be hiding right under your frugal nose.
Okay, I suppose that isn't a very charitable statement, but I've been putting some of my spare time into a new hobby.
