Ditch the Gym and Get Healthy at Home

If you’re looking to save money by cutting out those monthly gym membership payments but still want to stay healthy, working out at home can be extremely beneficial. And don’t feel like you’re the only one giving up that membership - according to a recent report from the Chicago Tribune, only 16 percent of Americans belong to a health club.

If you can stick to a home workout routine, you may find yourself becoming even more active than if you were to join a gym. For one, you will not have the excuse of inclement weather or a cancellation from the babysitter to delay your workout. A home workout can happen rain or shine in a space as small as 5 foot by 5 foot.

Many people may feel like they have to purchase expensive equipment before starting their home workouts. Fitness Program Director of DailyBurn.com, Lisa Wheeler, explains how you probably already have the perfect work-out tools lying around the house. Wheeler says, “You can use things you find around the house. I often encourage moms to pick up a soccer ball or basketball to use as a medicine ball.”

Another option for home exercise that is just now becoming more popular is exercising along with live streaming internet videos from gyms. This can provide guidance from a trained instructor without having to pay your monthly dues. Workout DVD’s, video games, and YouTube videos can also benefit in the same way.

How do you get your daily exercise?

Tell us about your home work-out routine!

By Dannabelle
02.29.12

I was a whopping 230 pounds about 2 years ago. My husband got me a gym membership, of which I never stepped foot in once. He then decided a Wii with the Wii Fit game might be a good idea. I am currently 150 pounds, stand 5'10 and am loving life. At 42 years old I feel like a new person again, fitting into size 6 clothes (I was wearing size 20 at my largest) and getting ready to enjoy my 25th class reunion looking like I did in High School. I will not lie, it has taken a lot of dedication but it has been well worth the effort.
By kreck44
02.26.12

I love working out at the gym. I find that if I go right after work, I don't go home and find something else to do instead of working out. I also find it more motivating because of all the other people around me working out!!
By SmilingIrishEyes
02.25.12

Have found an exercise routine I love to do at home. It is called Tabata, and it is quick and you do not need any special equipment. It is a 4 minute fatburining cardio workout. You do 20 seconds of any cardio exercise, then rest for 10 seconds. You do this for 4 min, 20 sec exercise, 10 sec rest. You can do squats, burpees, stepping, etc. Whatever you would like as long as you do it quick and it gets your heart going. I have lost weight an inches and have found I have more energy. You can find out more about Tabata on the internet. Check it out, you may find you love it, like I do.
By mzladybug1437
02.25.12

I love Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds! I have 3 of the dvds and it's so nice that I can exercise in my home especially during the cold months when I don't want to walk outside. I cancelled my gym membership last year when I had to take it easy early in my pregnancy and while I do miss it sometimes it's just more practical right now for me to work out at home and I'm glad I can!
By megadele1980
02.25.12

We recently moved and are fortunate enough to have space in our new place attached to our master bedroom that we've completely dedicated to workout equipment--my husband's free weights, my light weights, my elliptical, and we're hoping to add a used treadmill soon too. It's so convenient to squeeze in a quick 30-45 minute workout in the evenings after the kids go to bed and not have to add in extra time for driving to the gym, or add the inconvenience of finding a sitter (a luxury for us) or syncing up our schedules so one of us is home with the kids. Plus it's a whole lot cheaper than a gym membership, and we're major penny pinchers, so that's enough to get us hooked. We've had gym memberships in the past, and I did enjoy the social aspect of it, but at this season in our lives, this definitely fits better into our schedule and our budget.
By Lusadi
02.24.12

I love going to the gym, but because my schedule is subject to my family I work out at home. We did join a martial arts school and I attend classes there as well.
By sindhiya
02.24.12

i always plan to work out at home but after few days i start missing it sue to my studies, baby and work at home..i want to reduce my weight but staying motivated for a long time at home is no no for me..
By rsleister
02.24.12

I have to agree with a couple of the other posts - I much prefer to work out at the gym. I thrive off the atmosphere, the other people, the music, and especially the spinning teacher yelling at me : ) I will say, though, that I have found a great workout at home is the Insanity workout DVDs - I played soccer in HS, usually the entire game, at midfield, without a sub so for me getting "worked out" means dripping in sweat, gasping for air, and probably slightly nauseaus - spinning at the gym and Insanity at home are the only things I've found so far that really leave me feeling like I've had a fantastic workout.
By cocoabella
02.24.12

I exercise at home. It is a must do for me b/c I have RSD & FMS, so exercise is impertive in my life. It hurts to do it but I gain benefits from exercise in more ways than one. Working out at home is so much more convenient than going to a gym. There are no gym fees, I can work out anytime it is convenient for me and I don't have to ask for someone to drive me to the gym (I haven't driven since my disease started, for a few reasons).I have a few work out DVD's which I work out with. It is like having my own exercise class at home. I go to Collage videos and read exercise DVD reviews there and you can also view small snippets of the DVD's there as well before buying.
By souldolphindream
02.24.12

For me doing a homework out just does not feel the same as me going and working out on the beach. I think that it is just the ions in the ocean that give me that extra push. I also do have a gym membership so that I can swim all year round.
By aungelique
02.23.12

I have ended my Ballys membership. The cost was just to much for me. I went on Craigslist and bought several dvd. Chalean extreme, Brazil buttlift, turbo jam for $35. I enrolled in to the wowy gym on beachbody.com and they have a great support system. You can even have buddies to help you. Start your own blog. Even becoming a coach to make extra $$$$, to start a group in your area. They pay you. A great incentive for me is the possibility of winning $500 up to $1000 everyday I log in my workouts. You are accountable to yourself. Also a contests for $10,000 quarterly. Not only the $$$ but how great I feel accomplishing goals and maintaining my workout. I feel great knowing others are striving to have a healthier life style through working out. It's up to us.
By kellibliss
02.23.12

I go to the gym everyday! It is a part of me now and keeps me motivated. Even at home I take walks and I work out to Leslie Sansone's walk away the pounds!
By rkosully
02.23.12

I love working out at home! I have an elliptical machine, and I also do lots of fitness dvds right in the living room. It's hard to make an excuse about not wanting to go to the gym when all the equipment is right there in front of me!
By Texmel
02.23.12

In January I decided it was TIME to start exercising again! Due to a foot injury last winter, I was recuperating for months. The summer blew by, and the fall.....and the weight had crept up....sigh. I remembered that I had a Leslie Sansone "Walk Away the Pounds" DVD and pulled it out at the beginning of 2012. I have now been exercising for 7 1/2 weeks and can't believe how good I feel! I can't wait to get up in the morning and exercise. I am looking forward to getting stronger and fitter, and am really enjoying the ride!!
By MissELF
02.23.12

I found a pin on Pinterest that has a list of exercise that most all people know how to do like pushups, crunches, jumping jacks, etc. It says to do the list 2-3X for max results. It's simple and requires no equipment at all and I can do it at home!