There are plenty of reasons that women have for not heading to the gym regularly. It may be that the fees are too high, or the closest fitness center is too far away to be convenient. Perhaps you are simply uncomfortable pumping iron with the testosterone club or sharing the cardio circuit with the aerobic bunnies in spandex. The good news is that you don’t have to join a gym to get fit and trim. There are plenty of paths to a leaner, shapelier you that can be done from the comfort of your home.

Aerobic Exercise

What is the easiest way to raise your heart rate and burn the calories? Walking is something that just about anyone can do anywhere and anytime. Take a brisk stroll around the block a couple of times or find a buddy and a great walking trail close to home. You will benefit more from your home walking program if you have a hill that you can use to give your legs and butt an even greater workout. When the weather gets too nasty for outdoor walking, you can enjoy an indoor workout with the help of a walk-at-home DVD or a video game that gets you moving in your own family room.

For those that have the bucks without the inclination, you can bring the gym home to you by purchasing a cardio machine like a treadmill or an elliptical machine. A good rule of thumb is to buy the best machine that you can afford, since when it comes to workout machines, you generally get what you pay for. Head to a sporting good store in your comfy sneakers and yoga pants to try out machines before buying. This will ensure that you get a workout machine that you will actually enjoy using in order to get the greatest benefit from your purchase.

Strength Training

A few dumbbells of assorted weights and a simple bench can be a sufficient home gym, if you are really serious about building those biceps. Add a collection of inexpensive resistance bands and perhaps an exercise ball, and you have the makings of a complete strength training program without ever having to leave your comfy haven. You can find this type of equipment at sporting goods stores or even your local discount chains. Quality is not as essential with strength training accessories, since most weight discs are generally created equal. You can start small and low-cost and gradually build your stash as necessary.

However, you don’t even need to go this far to get a sufficient strength training workout at home. Canned goods or plastic water bottles can work well to give you a boost in bicep curls and triceps extensions. You can also simply rely on your own body weight as sufficient resistance for strength training, with exercises like lunges and squats for your legs and push-ups for your upper body. Abs can get a great workout on the floor with a variety of crunches that will get your six-pack in shape in no time.

A fab figure does not have to begin with frequent trips to the neighborhood gym. With a little fitness savvy, you can get in shape right in the comfort of your own home.

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