Absolutely not! Regular exercise is about regular activity, not regular gym workouts. Find activities that you enjoy doing and plan on engaging in them regularly. Be sure to work hard and have fun in whatever you do. The gym sometimes helps to provide a routine or a social element to regular activity that can be very helpful. Be sure to recruit family and friends in your non-gym exploits to gain the same benefits.
In order to obtain the benefits of regular exercise, your primary activities should involve cardiorespiratory and resistance training. Any activity that places demand on both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems for an extended period of time will fulfill your requirements of this type of training (30 minutes is ideal). You can accomplish this on your own through activities such as running, biking, and hiking. However, it is suggested that you engage in activities that you enjoy, so do not exclude options such as roller blading, swimming, or others.
The benefits of resistance training include increased lean body mass (muscle tissue), reduced body fat, increased strength and bone density, to name a few. Typically resistance training is thought of in terms of exercise equipment, however you can still gain benefits by incorporating body weight exercises such as push ups, lunges, and squats. You also can look into purchasing inexpensive equipment to use at home such as stability balls, resistance tubing, and hand weights. By purchasing these types of equipment, you will expand your options at a lower cost and incorporate change and creativity in your workouts.
No. You can do strength, cardio, flexibility and balance training at home and outside. You can do push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and lunges for strength. Doing step-up by using a chair at home. Single leg deadlift, prone-ab, two leg floor bridge and reverse crunch for balance and core jump rope, jogging, cycling for your cardio.
You don't have to join a gym unless you like to get the motivation from watching others. The gyms have a lot of machines that don't let you use the core muscles unlike doing push ups for example you need to engage not only your chest muscles but the core as well to keep up the good form.
Calisthenics do not require equipment. There are many exercises hard enough to make you gain muscle and lose fat at home. Gyms are expensive and usually not convenient. Stick to a home routine and save time and money. Use a gym only with a personal trainer so you are not wondering around on how to use the equipment. The gym can be a change o f pace if you are looking to get into group exercise classes or learn from others.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.