It’s no secret that I am a huge proponent of working out at home. I believe 110% that you do not need a gym, studio, boutique fitness class, or box membership to be fit and stay active. A lot of times people feel like they have to belong somewhere in order for them to feel they are living an active lifestyle. They feel like if they can tell someone that they belong to some gym, then they are automatically in-shape. Half the time though, something may come up and you can’t utilize your membership or god-forbid, the gym is closed!
Well, I’m here to tell you that is not the case! You can absolutely be fit and athlete right in your own home! Everything I do is right at home (with the exception of having gym access when I’m, at college). I’ve gotten to my state of fitness all on my own. Just look at what I’ve achieved!
So what are some great no-gym options? The possibilities are endless depending on what you have and invest in, but no matter what, there are options for everyone!
1. YOGA: Obviously my #1 favorite. Yoga at home really is the best and so beneficial for the mind and body. There are endless resources for an at-home practice. Once you know what you’re doing, you can even create your own practices like I do!
2. RUNNING: May I say this may be the most famous and easy way! Just lace up some shoes and head out the door! You don’t even need a fancy watch or GPS. I just use my phone and the Nike+ Running app! It works great and tracks everything….for free!
3. STRENGTH TRAINING (WITH WEIGHTS): If you have a full rack of dumbbells, a barbell, kettlebell, etc., it’s really easy to create perfect at-home weight lifting sessions. Even just starting out with a few dumbbells can get you going and eventually you can slowly build up you equipment. Creating my own circuits is always fun and so easy! This can also include treadmills and stationary bikes! I love my little recumbant bike at home!
4. STRENGTH TRAINING (BODY WEIGHT): If you really can’t afford any equipment, using your own body weight is another fabulous option for at-home fitness. From tabatas to circuits, you can still get in a killer workout with just the weight of your own body!
5. VIDEOS: This can be Youtube channels or even DVDs you buy! From the famous P90X and Shaun T’s Insanity, to great Youtubers like BodyRock and BeFiT!
6. OUTDOOR SPORTS: When the weather is nice, there is always something to do outside! Go run around and play soccer or do some tackle football 😉 Keep it an active sport though, playing Bacchic ball won’t keep you fit 😉 If you have a bike, go find a trail! I love biking and never do it enough, but racking up the miles and taking in the scenery can leave me feeling so great!
7. THE UNCONVENTIONAL: Besides these pretty obvious ways to get fit at home, there are new and unconventional ways popping up all the time. I was just introduced to The ActiveMotion Bar which uses “Disruptive Training” to strengthen the whole body and core with a simple looking bar. You do normal workout moves like lunges, squats, boat pose, etc. but you utilize the bar which contains rolling weight inside! Hello uneven balance training! The weights of the bars you can get range from 6 to 18lbs. With this constantly changing balance in the bar as you move, you have to really focus on engaging you entire body and core. Obviously, a full body (and mind) workout that challenges all aspects of fitness, from strength to balance!
Pretty unconventional to say the least! But it’s great for all fitness levels since you have a range of weights to choose from along with instruction videos that include and introduction to the bar, specific focus workouts, and videos for levels 1, 2, or 3. It’s a nice change up and completely different way to get in a full-body workout right at home! Plus, it’s fun which is always important, right?
So tell me:
+ Do you workout exclusively at home?
+ What’s your favorite way to get fit at home (even if you belong to a gym!)?
**Disclaimer: I am reviewing ActiveMotion Bar as part of my partnership with Sweat Pink. All opinions are my own.**
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Fred says
Hear, hear! Yes, I have a nice collection of therabands (resistance bands) and a few other trick items to get me through the work week in my home. Having a family and a long commute forces me to get creative and quick with my workouts. But on the weekend, I just need to get out to the gym for an hour and sweat. Something about getting out of the house, going there, seeing friends. I am overpaying for this priviledge since I only go 1-2x a week, but hey, its a healthy indulgence! Fred.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Working out is never an indeugence. It is an essential!
Karissa says
Great post of workout ideas. Thanks for linking up with Motivational Monday this week.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Karissa!
Erlene says
Great post. Love the workout ideas/routines.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much Erlene!
Sarah Ann says
I LOVE these ideas and this post is a fabulous resource! Thanks for sharing at the Sat. Soiree & Social Media Share. You’re featured this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much! Glad you found it helpful!
Sharon Rowe says
Thanks for sharing on How To Get Organized At Home:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Okay, thanks.
Jason (from BluePromoCode) says
Loved this blog post. We shared it via Twitter. Nicely done!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much!
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy says
Hi Rebecca – I too am a firm believer that everyone can work out at home! This is going to be my featured post at this week’s Let’s Get Real party.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
There is something gor everyone no matter what stage we are at!
Thanks Gaye!
Amanda @ queenofthelandoftwigsnberries says
What great ideas. I am running a somewhat similar series on my blog…workouts busy moms can do, with some “at home” options. Be sure to check it out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, well I’m not a busy mom and my own workouts are a lot more involved!
kimmythevegan says
I generally work out at home. I have weights and love coming up with my own routines (tabata is my fav!). I do have a small gym in my apartment complex that I use sometimes, but I usually just use the free weights and maybe the eliptical from time to time, I’m not into the machines. I also just love running and walking and hiking. Fun ways to stay in shape =)
I cancelled my gym membership over the summer as it was just to pricy, but I have to admit – I really do miss taking classes. They do keep me more motivated.
These are great tips Rebecca =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You sound exactly like me! Except I don’t miss the classes!
Janelle @ Wholly Healthy says
I love working out at home! Another tip I have is to check your library for workout DVD’s to borrow for free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, totally if that’s your jam!
Quirky Homemaker says
I prefer to work out at home with DVDs. I can get VHS tapes really cheap on Half.com too b/c I still have a VCR! I love everything. I have done the gym before for about 2 years, but I only went to the one that I did b/c there was never anyone there. I don’t like working out in front of people!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, super old school! As long as I have access to my yoga mat, heavy weights, and the outdoors, I’m good at home!
Caryn says
I’ve been power walking a lot the past year. I find it a great social hour, whether it’s literally with a friend or talking on the phone to one. Even during the winter it is nice to be outside despite the cold weather. I’m excited I found you through SITS.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m so happy to hear that! No matter what you do, there are just so many benefits to moving your body no matter where you do it!
Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments says
I find group fitness classes to be the most motivating for me since I have a set date and time and money invested. I don’t tend to like to spend the money though, so working out at home typically is my choice. I recently got the 21 Day Fix workout and meal plan from Beachbody and I’m excited to start with that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Good luck to you then!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I do go to the gym, but I always think it is important to have workouts you can do at home. Money and time can be factors at diffferent points, but it shouldn’t stop you! You can pick up inexpensive equipment at places like Target and there are lots of online videos and You Tube as options!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yup! That’s exactly my point!
Lauren says
I totally love this post! I need to start working out at home!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And you totally can!
Kristen says
So while I do agree with you, I do have to say that I signed up for my first gym EVER last weekend and I feel really good about having a backup plan for running! When I’m training for a half marathon I’m usually freaking out about getting in all of my training runs and it’s good to know that even though it’s crazy icy and dark out, I can safely run inside for $10 a month any time of the day. Normally I love to run outside though – it’s soooo much more fun than the gym!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is all good to have access to a gym as a backup plan and not your main plan! Totally agree! I really can not run inside. I can not!
Kristen says
It is pretty awful. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t have to follow this training plan 🙁 Boo.
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
I am totally intrigued by this active motion bar! Interesting!
We don’t have gym memberships and never have as we much prefer working out at home or at the park by our house! So much easier and so much quicker too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is so much easier! You can do anyrhing you want without restriction!
Teffy says
I guess I’m quite lucky that my building has a gym, but I’m also more into getting active by going outdoors and yoga (Love yoga!).
I’ve also got some apps, like the blogilates app, that are awesome for when I want to sneak a workout at home. And ballet barre as well, love it!
{Teffy’s Perks} X
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Me too with the gym right in my dorm, but I don’t actually need it! But it’s nice to be able to lift super heavy when I don’t have all the weights I have at home down here!
Nina @ whats for eats says
Great post Rebecca! Highlights that there are so many options for moving your body out there.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, yes, yes!
Farrah says
While my favorite ways to work out can’t really be done at home because I don’t have weights here, there’s definitely a lot more I could be doing in my apartment. I need to incorporate more tabata workouts into my life! :O
My hope is to one day have my own space that includes a dance “studio” (room) for pole/aerial silks and a whole bunch of weights. <3 I'll never need a gym membership again! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
When I have my own home, I am totally investing in a decked out workout room!
Nikki Vergakes says
Love it! Though I have a gym membership, I’m a huge proponent of staying in and getting fit
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
When you know that is an option, it gives you so much power!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Although I have access to the local JCC gym since we are members for my son’s preschool, I only use the facilities if the weather is crazy during an important workout day and really all my workouts are done from home as you know! I used to think to do yoga you had to go to a studio but I’ve been amazed by what you can do, for free, at home! I’m totally with you on not needing to go anywhere to be fit.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yoga is THE THING to do at home! Seriously, I think it should be a home practice. I believe you benefit so more mentally when you take it on all by yourself!
Jamie King says
SO glad you’re loving the ActivMotion Bar. I LOVE it too! Such a great tool!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is such a cool new piece to switch things up with!
Shannon @ The Glowing Fridge says
I agree, working out at home is so the way to go. With all the free videos and workouts available that are effective, why pay for a membership?! My favorites are FitnessBlender and BodyRock 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Personally I’m not even a big fan of videos! I really just need my yoga mat, weights, and running shoes and I’ll be forever happy!
Hannah says
Might I also suggest pole fitness. 😀 That is my FAVORITE workout and it is so much fun and empowering!! It takes a bit of investing if you want to get a decent pole for you home but it is totally worth, in my opinion! Thanks for the post Rebecca 🙂
-XOXO Hannah | http://www.thewholeytrinity.com
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’d totally dig that! I seriously have always wanted to try it for years!
Hannah says
It is awesome and I have met girls who get seriously ripped from it! Warning though: it’s crazy addicting!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I can tell I’d like it though 😉
Wendy @ Wholistic Woman says
Thank you for this post! I used to feel guilty when I went for a ride or a run outside because I had a gym membership. But once I got over that “I should be . . . ” feeling and gave myself permission to run or bike outside I find myself using the gym membership more (especially on subzero temperature days) because I don’t have that guilty feeling.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Never feel guilty for home workouts!
Erin @ Very Erin says
This is a great post! I also work out exclusively at home. I own an elliptical and stationary bike, so that makes it a lot easier. But I also have found so many YouTube videos that I love! I love Jillian Michael’s videos as well 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
We are lucky to have equipment! But see, even if you don’t it is so possible!
Emily Jamison says
I always workout at home! I have access to my student gym on campus, but having never been to a gym before, have no idea how to use it and get too much anxiety thinking about it. I love Blogilates and Tone It Up for my workouts!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Since I do have access to a gym in my dorm too, I do take advantage of it during the semester for my HIIT workouts and heavy lifting! Haha, I don’t have heaviest enough weight in my room so got to use the gym for certain things!
Krysten says
Such great tips! And great workouts!! I am going to have to try a whole bunch of these!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Krysten! I love coming up with my own lifting circuits to do! They are so easy to change and adapt to for any level!
Tracy says
I love doing Yoga at home!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s the only way for me 😉
Annmarie says
I 100% agree that you do not need a gym to get fit. You know I workout at home and would not have it any other way! Love equipment like the ActivMotion Bar that make it easier to have fun while staying fit 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right! I will never stop being a primary home-workouter! It’s easy, free, and fun with anything I want to do!
Emily @ Zen & Spice says
I workout exclusively at home right now. I used to belong to a fancy yoga studio but it was way too expensive and I wasn’t going often enough to make it worth it. We recently got a little puppy so it’s even harder to leave him alone while I go out to the gym or studio. Right now, I am doing the Bikini Body series by Kayla Itsines, a personal trainer in Australia– its circuit training and you don’t need anything but a mat, dumbbells and a step. Love it so far!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Most studios and gyms are really such a waste! There is no need, especially since money is so tight for most of us!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Totally agree–you can get fit, and for free, you just have to do your research, seek out opportunities, and be dedicated! My post today is actually about client self sufficiency–my goal as a personal trainer is to give you the tools to accomplish your goals at home. But with all the resources that are out there these days, you just have to want it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right! If you really want it and have the motivation to do it, there is nothing stopping you!
Émilie says
I HATE going to the gym so working out a t home is the way to go for me. I have to say that watching tv while I’m working out is what keeps me going. I will save aa show I like to watch while I exercise and that’s a great way to keep me motivated!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right! You can watch anything, listen to anything, and have no one in your way!
Kristy says
I’m pinning this for my home workouts. I LOVE going to the gym, but it’s just not practical some days.
http://giftieetcetera.blogspot.com
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is totally not practical all the time! When you realize you can do most anything at home, you have so much less stress too!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Ha! I just posted on another blog about the same thing. I’ve been an athlete my entire adult life and can’t imagine not exercising. If I can’t get to the gym or carve out an hour to work out I’ll do 15 minute sessions a few times during the day. For example, 2 minutes of jumping jacks, 25 push ups, 2 minutes of burpees, 25 sit ups, repeat four or five times. I end up getting in over 100 push ups and sit ups and a good amount of cardio that way. It’s better than nothing!
BTW, you’re awesome. I can’t believe you can stay in that yoga pose! Props to you girl!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
There are no excuses! You can get fit anywhere if you truly commit and WANT it!
Haha, that is my favorite pose 😉
jess meddows says
I really like the look of the Active Motion bar training. I’ll check that out, thanks Rebecca! Also – did my first proper exercise today in 6 weeks – a kilometre in the pool, and at a good, quick pace, too. Think your inspirational post and chats yesterday helped 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O I’m so glad it helped Jess! That’s great! Keep it up! XOXO
Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog says
These are all great ways to get fit at home and skip the gym! My favorite way to exercise is to do yoga at home! =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Me too girl, me too 😉
Isabella @ LaBellaVidaDesign says
These are such great ideas! I have been trying to work out a little more, and working out at home is my best option with my work schedule. I have the Wii U and I’m using Wii Fit to help stay in shape. I love the fact that it doesn’t feel like I’m “working” on my body. My competitive nature with my boyfriend helps me to make my goals. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha, I haven’t used the Wii in years! Good times 😛
Jenn Stanley says
I love these seven tips! You are absolutely right that anyone can get fit right at home. These are also excellent options for people just starting out a workout routine (as long as they know they have proper form) because often times it can be very daunting to join a big gym with very fit people flouncing about.
I do find it hard to find room for some exercises in the home, but where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
If I can do full out workouts and yoga practices in my tiny dorm, ANYONE can workout at home!
diane says
Yes, I love working out at home. It saves me time!!!! I am a runner and always use the GREAT OUTDOORS . BTW, my chocolate lab is my running partner, sparing me the time of having to take him for a walk. Over the years I have invested in small things that make resistance training at home easy: medicine balls, bosu, jump rope, physio ball. I have never used the active motion bar, but now I am curious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Running is the easiest and fastest way to get in a good workout! And yea! You get two tasks done at once with your dog!
I’m jealous of your BOSU!
Cassie says
Great post! I pretty much workout exclusively at home, save for yoga and SoulCycle… and it’s working for me!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yoga = Only At Home! (For me, hahaha!)
Jennifer F says
The only problem at homes is i get so easily distracted. I would need to schedule in the time like it was an official appointment. But, that being said, I do sometimes stop and drop to do a few exercises through the day — it all adds up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I can see how that could happen especially if you have kids! But it still can work!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
I’m a total home-worker-outer! It’s so much easier and cheaper. But even now while I can go to the gym for free as a student it just never happens 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Home working out is just….BETTER!
Emily @My Healthyish Life says
I just got two kettlebells for my birthday! Excited to not have to always go to the gym to workout. Oh and running. I do that sometimes 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Kettlebells are so fun! I need to buy more!
Yea, running. That does happen sometimes 😛
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado says
Totally agree with this one! There are so many things that you can do at home without going to the gym! The possibilities are endless!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! People complain that they can’t get to the gym, but there is no need!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
I exercise mostly at the gym, but sometimes I’ll do some exercises at home if I can’t be bothered to go to the gym. As silly as it sounds, I try to fit in squats when I dry my hair or some crunches when I watch TV, and of course, yoga and stretching! Love this post, because you can exercise wherever you are! It’s just a matter of mindset and willpower, right? 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! No matter where you are you can exercise! Everyone should see my crazy yoga practice in my teeny tiny dorm room! I have to yoga so I make it work, haha!