New Year, New You – 5 Home Workout Basics

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So we are twelve days into 2011 – how are you doing with that ever popular new years resolution to get into shape? If you are like me, every year you vow to “lose a few pounds” and “get fit” only to keep putting it off one more day…next thing you know, it’s spring and swimsuits are already in the stores, and I start planning another summer of cowering beneath a beach cover up.

But not this year! In our our latest monthly feature, the wht workout, fitness enthusiast Cori will be sharing exercise tips and plans, with special info from her in-family personal trainer, Cousin Brian.

And I’m very excited to say I’ve got a bit of a head start on the New Year as I’ve spent the last few months watching my diet (basically healthy eating – low fat, lots of veggies) and adding some daily exercise to my life (a half hour walk every day). Those two simple and basics lifestyle changes have already helped me drop three sizes in that last six months!

Now, it’s time to up the ante with a more intense workout. It’s time to get that heart pounding with harder cardio, not to mention time to start toning my new smaller body with some weight training. Happily, this doesn’t mean an expensive gym – I can get in a great workout from the comfort of my home. And so can you.

If you’re ready to start working out, but want to avoid the expense/hassle/crowds of a gym, a home workout is for you. Not sure where to start? I’ve rounded up a list of 5 Home Workout Basics to help whip you into shape:

1. A Plan
The most important item of all is to have a plan – actually two plans. First, plan ahead and schedule your workout times. Aim for 3 or 4 times a week and block out an hour of your time where you can exercise with no distractions. For some people, this means getting up an hour early before the rest of the house, for others maybe cutting back on some tv time. Whatever you need to do, block out that time and use it for your workouts. My trick for exercising after a workday? I have my clothes and shoes ready to go when I walk in the door and I’m not “allowed” to check my emails/watch tv/put on comfy clothes until I work out.

2. A Guide Or Coach via Workout DVD’s
Once you’ve planned your workout times, you need a workout plan. I can say the most success I’ve ever had in obtaining my “perfect” body was with the aid of workout videos. When I relied on just me leading a workout in my living room, it resulted in a lack luster, disjointed effort with lots of jogging in place.

Exercise videos are great for offering detailed, flowing workouts that keep you interested and focused. Best of all, you can collect a library of various workouts (hardcore cardio, weight training, yoga, pilates, etc.) and lengths (a quick 20 minute heart pounder or an hour long all over body weight training session) and mix and match them to fit your needs and so you are never bored.

Start your library by researching over at Collage Video where you can find detailed reviews of workout videos (including the instructors style, workout difficulty, music, set, length) from fellow at home exercisers. You can buy DVD workouts online, rent them or borrow from the library. You can also find great workouts on many On-Demand channels and of course, all over the internet. (Image: a fan favorite, Denise Austin’s 3 Week Boot Camp – a great cardio/toning mix for those ready for a high impact workout).

3. An Exercise Mat
This must have workout accessory will be used every workout – all workout long. From warm up stretches, to ab sessions, yoga and pilates and cool down, a good mat (well padded, non skid) is crucial to a smooth workout (trust me, it’s so much better then an old towel!)

4. Free Weights
A few dumbbells in various weights, for instance a 3, 5, and 10 lb pair like these Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights available at Amazon, are all you need to start adding muscle mass (which helps burn fat) and toning arms, legs and butts.

Use lighter weights for arm work and the heaviest possible for those squats. If you are new to weights, a lifting specific video is an invaluable guide. (Start your search by looking under Muscle Toning at Collage Video.) And don’t worry – you will not bulk up! Moderate weight lifting will help tone and firm jiggly areas without adding mass.

5. A Jump Rope
Looking to burn lots of calories? There’s almost no better workout than this childhood fave. (Seriously, we’re we nuts? Jumping rope is hard!)

Pick one up for less than $10 bucks and add it into any workout. You could add in 100 jumps in between sets of arm lifts (or sit ups or lunges) to create your own cardio/toning workout. Or beginners could add a minute (or 30 seconds) of jumping at the end of every few blocks during a walk. The possibilities for adding this cardio burst into a work out are endless.

If you want a challenge, the pictured video offers a butt kicking jump rope workout based on boxing techniques that I love (and love to hate too) sure to work up a big sweat – Kathy Smith’s Cardio Knockout.

Note: Please do not fool yourself into thinking you must own all of these items before you begin exercising. You can begin to workout today (with your doctors approval) and all you need is a pair of sneakers. Start walking!

Cori’s first wht workout, the Ease into 2011 Walking Routine is just 15 minutes – and don’t forget to check back next month for another wht workout.

we heartsters – are you trying to get into shape this year? Share your home workout secrets and must haves in the comments!

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