Can I get fit without the gym?

Seeyoubabyweight

I am 12lbs from my goal weight, but I want more than that. I'd like to be fit, added muscle and toning. The problem is a gym just doesn't work with me. Currently I'm lucky to get 30min/day for myself. So is there a way I can get my muscle work in and a fit body at home?

Cardio4Cupcakes

Of course, there's tons of things to do at home. Pushups, workout DVDs or a Daily Burn subscription, chair exercises. Limitless, really.

deathninja82

Unless you're planning to lift a bunch, you really don't need a gym.

sofaking6

Look up "You Are Your Own Gym" - it's a program of bodyweight exercises you can do at home without any equipment.

sistrsprkl

There's a pretty incredible success story on here I think called "what calisthenics did for me" - no gym! Personally, I'm doing the weight training program New Rules for Women at home with dumbbells.

maroonmango211

Definitely! I live in a tiny town far away from any gym (maybe an hour commute one way?) I've lost weight, gained a bit of muscle over the winter at maintenance and am in the best health and fitness condition of my life, all done at home/around my neighborhood. Body weight, adjustable dumbbells, kettlebells and a couple good pairs of shoes (cross trainers and running), playground, hiking trails etc, I wish I had room for a home gym but until then lack of equipment and space isn't going to stop me!

LovelyIvy466

I do all my workouts at home. It's easier because I have a Nordic track, but I don't only use the machine, I have dumbbells and a barbell set, I do hatha and power yoga and I use kickboxing DVDs. No gym necessary!

sofaking6

sistrsprkl wrote: »

There's a pretty incredible success story on here I think called "what calisthenics did for me" - no gym! Personally, I'm doing the weight training program New Rules for Women at home with dumbbells.

Is that an option with the workout or are you adjusting it on your own? I only have dumbbells and have been thinking about starting a 'real' strength program.

Timorous_Beastie

I run outside and lift at home. I started with an inexpensive bench and barbell set and added more as I needed it. I hated wasting time driving to and from the gym. I love that I can fit in a workout without spending almost an extra hour on the commute. No waiting for others to finish a set, no worrying that someone else is waiting for me to finish. Sometimes I scoop the cat box or do laundry between sets.

sistrsprkl

sofaking6 wrote: »

Is that an option with the workout or are you adjusting it on your own? I only have dumbbells and have been thinking about starting a 'real' strength program.

I'm still in the first stage and have been adjusting on my own. I use dumbbells for everything but the lat pull where I use a resistance band (attached to door). I need to get heavier weights and do plan to use the barbell either at my gym or get one for home. So far, though, the dumbbells are working fine.

Timshel_

Calisthenics have been around FOREVER and work. TONS of sources online too.

If you want to be trendy, Calisthenics are now called P90X, Turbo Fitness, Crossfit, or any number of body weight/body resistance principled exercises.

Unknown

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itsjustmish

I haven't been anywhere near a gym in 2 years and am in much better shape now than I ever was when I went! So yes, it's completely possible!

AKM0282

I would hope so! I can't afford a gym lol
Seriously though, there are tons of other options instead of going to a gym to workout. I have dumbells and kettle bells and DVDs and YouTube and DailyBurn instead of a gym.

s2mikey

deathninja82 wrote: »

Unless you're planning to lift a bunch, you really don't need a gym.

Not even really true. A bench and some dumb bells is alls you need for a complete workout. machines are nice but are not required at all. IMO, working out at home has more advantages compared to a gym. You have less excuses(the drive, no time, too crowded, etc) and can get down there whenever you like.

Seeyoubabyweight

Thank you for the support. I am hoping to try intensity workouts, but waiting to borrow from a friend before dishing out the cash in case they are too intense for me. If not I will search YouTube for other ideas/videos. I am ready to do this ☺

lydiakitten

I do weight training at the gym, too, but I also keep up a pretty vigorous calisthenics routine, and it really does work wonders for me, especially for core training and quads. There are ton of resources out there on the subject. So go for it, even though lifting heavy is a great idea, it's by no means an obligation.

kristenlarkin

search workouts on youtube.

cwolfman13

Of course. I only use the gym for the weight room...everything else I do is on my bike and I'm getting into a little running again and walking.

deathninja82

s2mikey wrote: »

deathninja82 wrote: »

Unless you're planning to lift a bunch, you really don't need a gym.

Not even really true. A bench and some dumb bells is alls you need for a complete workout. machines are nice but are not required at all. IMO, working out at home has more advantages compared to a gym. You have less excuses(the drive, no time, too crowded, etc) and can get down there whenever you like.

Ah, I meant really heavy lifting, power rack type stuff.

NicoleMcQuillen

Have you ever heard of Insanity? Don't attempt it if you aren't really fit haha but the program was designed to use your own body - you don't use weights for it at all! And people look amazing after they complete it.. But it will kick your *kitten*. I used a different program of theirs which is a 30 minute workout (including warm up and cool down) and I've lost 15 lbs in my first round you can definitely work out at home with some weights and see amazing results! Just have to stick with a routine and eat clean.

Curtruns

darebee.com/workouts.html