Discover Home Workouts for That Perfect Body


What You Must Do First and Why
There is one common mistake which many people make when they decide to improve their bodies. This mistake is to not begin with adequate preparation. The first, and most essential, step in preparing to embark on a home workout program is to have a complete health clearance from your physician.
The most important reason for this is you may have a medical problem which you do not know exists. There are many health conditions which can worsen from strenuous exercise; there are some which can even be fatal. While you want to work toward that perfect body, you surely do not want to take unnecessary chances with your health or your life.
An evaluation from your physician will allow you to see if you have any extraordinary risk factors. This kind of check-up, which will take very little time or cost, is well worth the benefits. A clean bill of health will give you peace of mind, and the go-ahead for your home workout.
The second reason is to find out whether you have any special limitations. For example, you may have had sprains or other types of injuries in the past. These can affect choosing the home workout that is right for you. Your doctor may advise you to modify certain kinds of exercise, or to avoid them altogether.
Visiting your physician before you begin a home workout regimen is necessary. If you have any health or medical problems, they need to be addressed before you start a home workout. Anything from a prior injury to an unknown heart condition can prevent you from getting the results you want from your workout. They can cause setbacks, and even disaster. A few minutes of your time beforehand can prevent all of this.
The best kind of evaluation is a complete evaluation. If you have not made routine exams a part of your general lifestyle, now is a good time to start. When you are serious about beginning a home workout regimen, you probably already know that it will affect your body. Whether you have exercised before or not, making a home workout a part of your everyday life will place stress and strain on your body. It will affect your muscles, your joints, your blood pressure, and every other part of your system. Your body will be working much harder than it ever did before, to move in the direction of your goals. This is why you need to know in advance that your body is ready for the task. It will help your workouts to proceed more smoothly, and without any unnecessary risks to your health.
A home workout is an exciting adventure. However, in addition to the effects it will have on your body, it will also affect your mind. From the increased blood flow which occurs during workouts, to the change in your blood-sugar levels, the physical benefits of exercise can affect your mood, spirits, and disposition. In order to ensure that these changes are positive, and you gain as much from them as possible, you need to be prepared by knowing that you are healthy.
Many people have sustained permanent injuries, and worse, solely due to not being aware of medical problems or limiting conditions prior to starting a regimen of strenuous exercise. Others have become overwhelmed and discouraged, leading them to quit before seeing any positive results. Still others have given up, because they simply did not know what to expect from their new venture. In most cases, all of these repercussions can be avoided.
You want your new home workout routine to produce great results. You want the perfect body that you may have been dreaming of for many years. You want it all to come in the healthiest, safest, and most enjoyable manner, without any unnecessary risks or setbacks. Getting a complete evaluation from your doctor before you choose any exercise or purchase any equipment is the best way to make your home workout routine a positive experience.
When you know that you are healthy, and without any risk factors, you will have a double benefit. First, you can take on the workout routines of your choice without undue risk to your health; and second, you will have the peace of mind from knowing that your new venture is safe for you.
In the interest of your health and safety, make an appointment to see your doctor before you begin your new home workout. Not only is this the most sensible step, it will do wonders for your self-confidence. When you know that you are physically prepared for the home workout routines which you are about to begin, you can look forward to one of the best and most exciting experiences of your life.
Making a Plan

The second mistake many people make when starting a home workout is to not make a plan in advance. They buy expensive equipment which they really do not need, or believe that they must do certain kinds of exercises which they truly dislike. While many make this mistake because they believe that whatever is currently popular is the method they must try, others do not realize that a home workout is meant to be fun! You can avoid both of these mistakes by making a workout plan that is right for you.
The first point to consider is what you, yourself, enjoy. If you do not choose routines which you enjoy doing, you might dislike it so much that you quit. You may force yourself to continue doing them, while hating every minute of it. Instead, by focusing on the types of routines which interest you the most, you will be well-motivated each time you do your routines, enjoy them much more, and move closer and closer to your goals.
The second point to think about is your own particular needs. While this will be discussed further in later chapters, it is something which you should consider. Is your main priority to develop “six-pack” abs, to change a flabby body into lean muscle, or to gain overall strength? When you address your goals, it will be easier to choose the workout which focuses on these goals.
The third point is expense. While you may be thinking of a home workout as a less-costly alternative to joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer, if you are tempted to buy all of the latest home exercise equipment you may be dismayed to find that these costs are even higher. When you decide on the equipment that is necessary for your home workout, you can keep the expense at a minimum. You may even decide that you do not need to purchase any equipment at all.
There is another, equally-important reason for making a plan before you begin. Making a plan also gives you control of your home workout experience. If you think about it, this is true about anything worthwhile in life. If you begin something without first putting some careful thought into planning, you can end up with an entire course of action that is not suitable for you. You may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, discouraged, and confused. You might not even be sure if you are making any real progress.
Making a plan will eliminate all of these worries and give you the home workout routine that you will love to do on a regular basis. You will be more satisfied with the results, and happier with yourself.
How do you go about making a home workout plan? You can begin by setting goals which include reasonable expectations. If you want that perfect body, you can have it– but you cannot have it overnight! You also cannot have it without work! When you set your goals, and include reasonable expectations about how much work you will need to do and how long it should take for you to see results, this is the foundation of a good plan.
A good plan also includes some leeway for error. For example, you may choose a specific exercise, but soon discover that it is not right for you. Even if you give it your best effort, you may find that it causes too much pain or discomfort, or places too much emphasis on a certain part of the body. When you are making your home workout plan, allowing room for error can eliminate frustration. You will not have an unnecessary sense of failure if this is included in your plan.
A good plan must be reasonable about the amount of time you can devote to your home workouts. As no one these days has unlimited time, it is important to not commit yourself to working out for many hours each day when you cannot fit such a regimen into your daily schedule. Not only would it make your workouts a burden, it would interfere with the rest of your day’s priorities. You would end up too tired to do your job, or to enjoy quality time with your family.
However, you also cannot afford to make your home workouts the lowest subject on your priority list. Logically, if you do a workout only when you feel like it, or only when it is convenient, you will not obtain the results you want. Your plan should reflect the amount of time you can put into your workouts on a regular basis, and make a point of adhering to it. No matter how busy your life may be, you can make an appropriate amount of time for your workouts.
One way to do this is to assess your everyday schedule, and decide on the best time for your workouts. Whether this means getting up a little earlier so that you can work out before you go to school or to your job, or using half of your lunch hour to work out, it should be easy to fit your workouts into your schedule without disrupting your everyday life.
Making an advance plan will keep the chaos, confusion, and frustration out of your home workouts. You will know what you need to do, and when you need to do it. You will have a general idea of what kind of results you can expect to see, and how long it will take before they occur. When you add all of these factors together, your home workout will be something for you to look forward to, each and every time!
Exercises

If you want that perfect body you have always dreamed of, you will need to exercise! The good news is that exercising does not have to mean boring routines which can soon become tiresome. There are three categories of exercises which will help you to gain that perfect body. When you have some information about each type, you can choose from amongst them to custom-design a home workout to meet your needs and personal preferences.
One form of exercise is known as pilates. While pilates have become increasingly popular during the last few years, it is not a modern concept at all. The basic principles of pilates go back as far as World War One, when they were developed in Germany by Joseph Pilate.
These exercise routines are great for the overall body, while placing much emphasis on the areas which most people find to be trouble-spots. Whether you are hoping to lose unwanted fat, or develop as much healthy muscle as possible, pilates are an excellent choice for your home workout routine. Your abs, hips, buttocks, and thighs will all benefit from pilates. Your muscles will become stronger, more flexible, and healthier.
There are many different exercise routines in the pilates category. Some of the most popular are “the Hundred” and “the Roll-Up,” which will do wonders for your abdominal muscles; and “the Single-Leg Stretch” and “the Double-Leg Stretch,” which will tone your buttocks and hips as well as your abdominal region. Many of the pilates exercises do not require any kind of exercise equipment other than a basic mat.
Aerobics is another popular form of exercise. While aerobics routines will assist in toning your muscles, there is a more important reason for including aerobics in your home workout. Aerobics will benefit your entire cardiovascular system. When you are thinking about that perfect body, health is as important as appearance. Adding aerobics exercise to your workout routine will strengthen your heart and your lungs. It will promote better health, as well as making your workout a truly exhilarating experience.
Calisthenics may already be familiar to you. You may remember some calisthenics exercises from your school days. However, you may not have known how beneficial they can be in helping you to create the body of your dreams. Whether or not you enjoyed calisthenics as a youngster, they will go a long way in sculpting that perfect body.
There are many different calisthenics exercises from which to choose, so you can easily incorporate some of your favorites into your home workout. Some of the most common calisthenics exercises are jumping jacks, abdominal crunches, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. They will get your blood pumping, and tone and firm your body. It will be fun to see how exercises you learned as a child can be so useful in helping you to create the perfect body you want today.
When you have custom-designed the exercise routines you wish to include in your home workout, you are partway to developing the workout which you will do each session. However, there are a couple of other points to consider before your workout regimen is complete. These extra points will make your workouts less stressful on your body.
First, regardless of the types of exercises you have chosen, you must begin each session with a warm-up. A brief period of basic stretching and bending will give your body the preparation it needs to be ready for a workout. This little preliminary can make quite a difference. When your body is readied beforehand, the exercising will flow more naturally and smoothly.
Second, a cooling-down period should be at the end of every home workout. The same kinds of stretching and bending motions that you used to warm up will help your body to conclude the workout. It will prepare your body for rest.
It is not difficult to choose the forms of exercise that are best for you. You can start by thinking about the types of exercise you like the most, and conform them to your specific needs. You can tone the areas which are most in need of attention, or aim for an overall workout which will benefit your entire body.
It is important to choose exercises which you will not tire of, so that you will be motivated to do your workout on a regular basis. If you keep your expectations reasonable, and demonstrate self-discipline, you will be pleased with the results. You can begin to see your body’s shape and strength improve within a relatively short period of time. The perfect body you have always wanted can be yours– and it all starts with custom-designing your own exercise routine.
With or Without Weights?

When you think of gaining that perfect body, thoughts of weights may come to mind. Whether this is positive or negative depends on your opinion. While planning a great home workout can include the use of weights, a workout can be done without them. In addition, there are a number of different kinds of weights, if you do decide to use them.
One form of weights are known as dumbbells. These are good to use when doing exercises while standing. While dumbbells can greatly tone the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper torso, they can also assist in toning your abdominal muscles.
Dumbbells can be found in a variety of different weights. When you are beginning your workouts, it is a good idea to start with lighter dumbbells, and increase the weight as your body becomes accustomed to the workouts.
A second form of weights are barbells. They are generally used while lying flat. While the power exercise known as bench-pressing is popular amongst professional body-builders and other athletes, you can easily make it a part of your own home workout routine. As bench-pressing places a considerable amount of strain on the body, especially the abdomen, it is essential to choose light weights when you are beginning your workout routines. Otherwise, this strain could cause permanent damage to your muscles. When you choose lighter weights, you can easily work up to heavier weights as your body becomes accustomed to this practice.
While dumbbells and barbells are available in various weights, there is an additional feature which can be useful to you. Dumbbells and barbells are both available in a solid, one-piece style, and in a style which allows you to take off and add on weights as your needs change. The latter can be the most beneficial to your workout routine, as you can continue to adjust the amount of weight you use to reflect the progress you make in your workouts.
You may also be wondering if you can get that perfect body without using any weights at all. The answer to this is yes, it is possible, but it is likely to take longer. The exercises you do with weights direct the focus to specific points in your body. The use of the weights help these points to tone and strengthen quicker and easier. Power exercises done with weights will give you that perfect body faster, but this does not mean you cannot get the body you want without using them. If you are prepared to work harder and longer, you can reach your goal without using weights.
If you have decided that weights are a good addition to your home workout, there are some safety tips to make your workout better, more pleasurable, and without undue risk. Please do not simply order weights and begin using them without considering these tips first.
One tip is to be sure you choose the right weights. If you are not accustomed to using this kind of workout equipment, it cannot be stressed too strongly that you should select light weights. Whether you are considering barbells, dumbbells, or both, you do not want to put too much strain on your body and risk injury.
Another tip is to ensure your safety when you work out with weights. While this is true for exercising in general, maneuvering weights in a standing position means wearing appropriate workout gear. You should have sneakers or similar shoes with non-slip rubber soles. You should also avoid wearing clothes that are too loose, or long sleeves.
It is also important to be sure that you are working out on a safe floor. Slipping or falling can be especially dangerous if you are working out with weights. You should avoid floors with rugs, carpeting, tile, and other potentially hazardous material or coverings. Whether you create your own home gym, or simply devote one particular part of your home to a workout space, you must keep your safety in mind when you work out with your weights.
Working out with weights can give you that perfect body! It will also invigorate your entire system. Your heart and lungs will greatly benefit when you make working out with weights a part of your home workout routine. If you keep all of these tips in mind, start slowly, and do not demand overnight results, you will be amazed at how quickly you do begin to see results.
Your body will not only feel stronger, it will actually be stronger. The new tone you will see in your muscles will be beyond compare. That perfect body you have always dreamed of will be more than just a dream– it will start to take shape, and be in the best condition of your life.
What About Other Equipment?
One mistake many people make when preparing to do home workouts is to go overboard in purchasing exercise equipment. They end up wasting money on expensive equipment they do not really need, and cluttering their homes with products they will not use. When you are preparing to do home workouts, some tips will help you to decide what kinds of equipment are suitable for you.
One point to consider is the amount of space you have in the area where you plan to work out. A good rule of thumb is that you probably do not need more equipment than you can comfortably fit in that space. Even the smallest workout space can accommodate your exercise equipment if you do not purchase unnecessary products.
A second factor is cost. While you may be tempted to purchase all of the popular equipment you have seen advertised, the expense is rarely worth it. You do not have to equip your workout space to rival a gymnasium– you can have that great body without it.
The third factor is your goal. As you probably already know what you hope to accomplish from your home workouts, selecting the right equipment will help you to reach your goal.
You should also consider your own preferences. If you are like most people, there are certain things which you like and certain things which you dislike. Even if you think specific types of exercise equipment are absolutely necessary, they will not get much use if you hate to use them. When you focus on your preferences, you will be more likely to get the exercise equipment that is best suited to you.
While taking these factors into consideration can assist you in choosing the right exercise equipment, there are a few types of equipment which are especially beneficial to the person who is beginning a new home workout regimen. With a little comparison-shopping, you can find them at a relatively low price to fit your budget. It is not necessary to buy name brands, or the most expensive model on the market. You can be price-conscious, while giving your new home workout the boost it needs to be successful and fun!
One piece of exercise equipment that is easy to use, enjoyable, and beneficial, is a stationary bike. A stationary bike can be the ideal way to warm up before your regular workout, or a nice change as a mini-workout in itself. A good stationary bike is adjustable, so that it will feel custom-fit for your personal comfort. It will provide all of the benefits of riding a bicycle– right in your own home. It is a great way to exercise in general, as well as to focus on those troublesome spots. If you use a stationary bike on a regular basis, it will help to firm your hips, buttocks, and thighs. This is one type of exercise equipment that will make working out feel like play.
A treadmill will also provide special benefits. If you are new to working out, using a treadmill can help to increase your physical endurance. You will become able to breathe better, and gain better strength in your heart and lungs. As a perfect body has as much to do with increasing your health to its very best as it does with your appearance, a treadmill should be on your must-have list of home exercise equipment.
A rowing machine is another popular piece of exercise equipment. When your goal is that perfect body, you will be delighted with how quickly the regular use of a rowing machine begins to tone your abdominal muscles, your arms, and your shoulders. Not only will a rowing machine help to strengthen your upper body, it will increase your body’s firmness. Your upper body will start to take on a better shape as your muscles become more well-defined.
If you have a large area of your home to devote to your workouts, and plenty of money to spare, you can choose a number of other types of exercise equipment for your workouts. However, you can have the best possible start to that perfect body without spending a lot of money or using a lot of space. When you begin your new home workouts with only these three pieces of exercise equipment, you may soon decide that you do not really need any others.
In addition, considering basic home exercise equipment as a worthwhile investment is a positive way to look at it. When you purchase these products, you are not only taking the first step toward creating the body of your dreams, you are also making strides toward a healthier body that can last for a lifetime. Even if you have only a small amount of money to put into your home workouts, these few pieces of exercise equipment will be well worth the investment. They will help you to reach your goal of a great-looking body, while increasing your overall health at the same time.
Do You Need More?
You may be well-motivated and looking forward to beginning your new home workout regimen. At the same time, you may be wondering if you could benefit from something more. You may be unsure of whether you are completely prepared to do it all on your own. If you think that you need a little extra help, it could very well put you on the right track.
One possibility is to enlist the aid of a personal trainer. It is not necessary to have a personal trainer at your side for the duration of your workouts– some input when you are starting out can be very beneficial.
A personal trainer can help to customize your home workout regimen, if you are uncertain of what is right for you. He can also advise you of what to expect from your workouts. If you do not know how to deal with discomfort in your muscles, or how long you can reasonably expect to wait before you see results, a personal fitness trainer can answer all of your questions.
A second possibility is a short-term membership at a gym. Even if you plan to do your workouts in your own home, there is much to be gained from a few visits to a gym. You can see workout equipment in use, which can help you to decide which types of equipment you want for your home. You can interact with others who are working out, which will help you to see what you yourself need to do, and the results which you can expect. You can take all of this knowledge home with you, to put to use in your own workouts.
Another possible extra is for your home workouts to utilize the buddy system. While some people do very well at any venture on their own, others do much better if they are in the company of likeminded friends, or even family members. If you are in the latter category, encouraging others to join you in your home workouts can be useful to both you and the others in your life. Mutual support can be quite motivating. Even healthy, good-spirited competition can make your workouts more enjoyable and more oriented toward results.
The buddy system is not for everyone. There are many who do much better with working out alone. You probably already know which category describes you the best. Whichever one you choose, it should be the method that works for you.
An additional factor is your own level of motivation. There are many people who want great results, but are not sure that they have what it takes to get there. You may wonder if you will always have the time to devote to your workouts, or if you might become tired or discouraged and tempted to quit, or whether you may decide that it really is not worth the effort. If you want your home workout routine to be a success, and to give you that perfect body, it is a good idea to address these concerns in advance.
Everyone becomes discouraged at times, and no one is one-hundred-percent motivated each and every day. For your workouts to be a success, without the worry of quitting before you reach your goal, you should have a plan for how to deal with those less-than-ideal days before they occur.
As each person has his own method of getting things done, consider the method that works for you. How do you prime yourself to do something when you really do not feel like doing it? It could be a task at work, a household chore, or even something you usually like. No one is at his best every single day, but this does not mean you can afford to neglect whatever you must do. This includes your home workout routines.
When you know the method you use in your everyday life, you can apply the same methods to your workouts. Perhaps it involves getting yourself in a certain frame of mind. Perhaps you might give yourself a small treat, chat with a friend, or promise yourself a reward for a job well done. Whatever works for you, to help you to be motivated when you do not feel motivated at all, can be a wonderful aid to keeping you on track. If you have such a plan in advance, you will be less likely to skip your workouts, and more enthusiastic about doing them.
You may decide that you do not need any of these little “extras” at all. You may be the type of person who can commit a specific period of time into your daily schedule for workouts, and stick to it on a regular basis, without fail. If this sounds accurate, good for you! However, giving yourself the option for extra help when you need it is not a sign of weakness. It only means that you know yourself well enough to be aware that you may require a bit of extra help to be consistent with your home workouts. If it will help you to stay on the right track, incorporating some extra help into your basic workout plan is a positive step. It can keep you on the track toward success!
Especially for Women
These days, home workouts are as popular amongst women as they are for men. Women have a natural desire to look and feel their best, too. This is evident by the large number of women who join gyms, purchase exercise equipment, and try various diets. While being more physically attractive and healthier are sensible goals for women, women who wish to begin home workouts do have special circumstances.
One topic is working out during pregnancy. You may have heard “old wives’ tales” which claim that no exercise at all is safe when you are pregnant, and you may also heard that virtually nothing is off limits. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you may be unsure of which point of view to believe.
With your doctor’s approval, working out during pregnancy can be very beneficial. In fact, starting a home workout routine prior to becoming pregnant can prepare your body for this exciting adventure. The better shape your body is in, the easier and more comfortable your pregnancy and childbirth will be for you. It will also make returning to your pre-pregnant state easier and faster after your baby is born.
However, you should be sensible about your home workouts. Your goal is to get your body in its ideal condition, not to overtax your strength or put unreasonable demands on your body. The home workout routine you choose should reflect making your body stronger and more limber, and improving your muscle tone. It is unwise to go to extremes with working out while you are pregnant. If you really want to lift weights, it is best to wait until after your baby is born!
A second topic involves the female anatomy in general. Even when pregnancy is not an issue, you must still take this into consideration. Although it should be obvious, your body is made differently than that of your husband or brother. First, workout routines which place an extreme degree of stress on the abdominal and pelvic regions can indeed cause damage to the internal organs. This is something to keep in mind when you are choosing your home workout program.
In addition, the female muscles are not as prepared for strenuous routines as those of a man’s. This does not mean that you cannot obtain the perfect body you want. It does mean taking on less, especially at the beginning, and proceeding slower. If working out is new to you, it is not a good idea to risk tearing muscles by attempting to do too much, too soon.
Whether your body is petite or full-figured, athletic or out of shape, you can have the perfect body of your dreams. In order to avoid the risk of unnecessary injuries, common sense is the key. After all, the purpose of working out is to get your body in its best possible shape, not to incur damage which can slow you down or even become permanent.
The woman who does not have pregnancy as a factor should assess her personal situation before planning a home workout routine. The current condition of your body, and how familiar it is with exercise in general, are two points to consider. If you are already athletic, and used to a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis, you have more leeway than the woman who has never exercised and is quite out of shape.
Thinking about your goals is a positive way to begin. Do you want to increase your overall health, stamina, and be your most attractive? Firming and toning your body can give you a glowing, youthful appearance, regardless of your age. The body that is strong and fit is also a healthier body. It will reduce your risk of developing many kinds of illnesses and diseases, make everyday life a joy, and can even add years to your lifespan. There is much more to a great body than simply looking good in a swimsuit!
Your goals should be sensible. While you may be able to obtain the body of a female bodybuilder, this is not a common goal for most women. You probably want to get the body you have in its best possible condition, so that you will feel and be more attractive. You probably also want the strong, toned body that reflects good health.
If these are your goals, physical fitness is your answer. You can choose the home workout routines which not only move you toward your goal, but are also much fun to do. Your home workout program will be much more satisfying, and you will be more likely to reach your goals, if you do not start with routines that are too physically-taxing or dull.
Starting with simple routines instead will give you two benefits. First, you will be less likely to incur injury; and second, when you choose fun routines, you will be more likely to continue them faithfully. Your workouts will be something to look forward to, each and every day.
Any woman can have a more attractive, healthier body. Most women can obtain amazing results. The key is to take your circumstances into consideration, and begin your workouts with enthusiasm. You can have that perfect body you have always wanted if you start slowly and proceed with consistency.
Special Situations
You are thinking about that perfect body. You may wonder if you have what it takes to obtain it. You may have a special situation which is leading you to doubt whether a home workout is for you. After all, the idea of starting a workout routine, and aiming for the body of your dreams, is quite new to you.
The good news is that home workouts are a great option for nearly anyone. Even if there is something different about your particular situation, you can turn it into something positive for working out.
One situation is the person who has neglected his body for many years. Not only has he become out-of-shape, flabby, and weak, the body that is not properly cared for often suffers in terms of health. You may be considerably overweight, even obese. If this sounds like you, you may be thinking that a home workout program would be useless, if not hazardous.
In this kind of situation, slowly-but-surely is the key to success. Beginning your workout program with easy exercises will help your body to become accustomed to its new adventure. While it is necessary to follow your physician’s recommendations, it is not impossible for you to move in the direction of a healthy, fit body. In fact, it is simpler than you may believe.
The body that has been neglected will take more time to get into shape. This is only logical. However, you must not give up on yourself before you begin! You may be carrying more than a hundred extra pounds, and you may have fallen into the sedentary lifestyle of a couch-potato. With effort, hard work and determination, you can shed those extra pounds, and be physically fit and healthy again!
A second situation involves youngsters who are longing for that perfect body. It must be stressed that children and adolescents who are still growing should not take on a strenuous workout routine without their doctor’s approval. This does not mean that working out is not suitable for children and teens. It only means that special attention must be focused on their growth stage.
When you keep this in mind, developing a good home workout program is one of the best things you can do for your child. He will learn to associate exercise with fun, and he will become stronger and healthier at the same time. When you provide your youngster with a workout program that is appropriate for his age and stage of physical development, you are teaching him good habits that will benefit him throughout his entire lifetime.
Many people who have physical impairments or disabilities also want to improve their bodies. It can give them more self-confidence, and be a boost to their overall health. If you have a disability or a medical condition which could interfere with the safety of a home workout program, it is advisable to check with your doctor before you begin. He can help you to customize a workout that is based on your special needs.
Some people have the idea that working out is only for young adults. They may believe that once a person reaches a certain age, working out is useless, and even dangerous. The good news is that nearly anyone who is reasonably healthy is not only capable of working out, but can benefit from a solid workout program.
You may be forty or sixty years of age, and not at all pleased with the condition of your body. You may be listening to friends or family members who tell you that you must accept this as a natural part of aging. This is not true at all! While your age may require you to impose sensible limitations on working out, you will be delighted with the results. You can have the fit, firm body that you recall from decades in the past, increase your overall health, and have a general sense of wellbeing. Working out at home can be the best decision you have ever made!
Almost anyone can benefit from working out. Most people can gain positive results. If you have any of these or other special situations, do not dismiss the idea of a home workout program. Regardless of your situation, a program can be custom-tailored, just for you. Your doctor and a physical fitness trainer can provide the advice you need to get on the right track.
As long as you proceed in a sensible manner, and keep your expectations reasonable, the odds are on your side that you will be successful. Home workouts are not only for the young, the person with unlimited time and resources, or the person who has athletics in mind. The benefits you gain from your workouts will have you convinced within a very short period of time. Anyone can look his best, and feel his best– and this means you, regardless of your personal situation.
Building Muscle
When you think of a perfect body, what is the first thing to come to mind? You may be thinking of how great you will look in a new swimsuit, on the beach. You may be thinking about how much better you will look in your everyday clothes, when your body is in ideal condition.
Building muscle is the key to that perfect body. Whether you are naturally thin, or whether you are overweight and out of shape, it is muscle that will give your body the look you want.
This is why exercise routines which focus on building muscle are the foundation to a good home workout program. While increasing your body’s overall strength, building solid muscle mass will firm and tone your contours. From biceps to abs to thighs, solid muscle will change your acceptable body into your ideal body.
If you are currently overweight, taking off pounds should not be your main focus. Instead, your workout program should reflect the process of turning unsightly fat into strong, healthy muscle. When your body starts to become firm, you will notice the difference. While solid muscles have weight, it is much different from the fat which you have been carrying! Toned muscles will give your body the shape you want, so that you will look better than ever before.
If you are naturally slim, you may be bothered by your thinness as much as the person who is overweight. Building muscle will give your body the bulk it needs to be stronger and more attractive. After you begin your new home workout program, you may be surprised at how quickly you start to see results. When you adhere faithfully to your workout program, your mirror will be all that you need to notice your hard work paying off.
Building muscle from working out is as appropriate for women as it is for men. While this is true for women in general, it is especially beneficial for women who are in their childbearing years. In addition to all of the other benefits, building strong, solid muscle can make pregnancy and childbirth much easier.
Pregnancy and childbirth place a considerable amount of stress on the body. Logically, the better shape your body is in, the better it is prepared for these processes. Strong muscles are what your body needs to work at its best. When your body is well-prepared with strong muscles, not only will your months of pregnancy be much smoother and more comfortable, it can contribute to an easier childbirth. It will help natural delivery to proceed faster, less painfully, and with a lower risk of complications.
Children and older persons benefit from building muscle, also. The youngster who has begun to build solid muscle from home workouts will find his natural growth spurts to be less troublesome. When coupled with a healthy lifestyle, it will also reduce his risk of becoming obese.
Older persons who build muscle will also benefit. The older person who is physically fit, with strong muscles, is less susceptible to falls and other accidents which are common amongst elderly people who are weak and out of shape. It will give him better mobility, and add to his overall quality of life. He will feel better about himself, and enjoy his life much more in his golden years.
When you first started thinking about that perfect body, your first emphasis was probably on appearance. After all, it is only natural to want to look your very best. You want to feel good about the way you look, and possibly even impress others! As you have been reading through this book, you have noticed more, equally important factors. You have learned that developing your ideal body is much, much more than having a body you will want to show off in a swimsuit. You have learned that a strong, physically-fit body is the number-one key to a healthier life.
Fortunately, the old saying “You cannot have it all” is not true. You can have physical fitness, glowing health, and the impressive body that you have always wanted. There is no miracle that can give you all of this. You must be willing to put the time and work into it. When your muscles start to become firmer and solid, you will notice the difference in your appearance. You will also feel the difference. The newfound strength in your body will be astonishing. Building muscle may feel as if you have been given a new lease on life, regardless of your age or physical condition.
You really can have it all, and when you focus on building muscle with your home workout program, you will soon start to see the proof!
How to Be Goal-Oriented
Some people sabotage their goals before they even begin. If you want success with your home workout program, you cannot afford to have this happen to you. Some tips to help you to be goal-oriented may be exactly what you need to transform your workout program into an exciting, successful experience.
There are two common mistakes which are often made in home workout programs. One mistake is to focus on your ultimate goal, and nothing else. If you use this method, you may soon begin to feel overwhelmed, overburdened, and frustrated. After all, nothing worthwhile was ever accomplished overnight.
Rather than making this mistake, you should consider the entire process. Instead of looking at your ultimate goal, you should appreciate every step you take to get there. Each day’s workout is a success in itself, as it takes you that much closer to your goal.
You can set smaller goals along the way, and reward yourself for each one you attain. With this method, you are not only moving closer to that perfect body, you are also enjoying and appreciating all of the effort you are putting into it. This will help you to look forward to each workout, and see each one as progress.
The other common mistake is to overdo the focus on individual workouts, thinking that each one should provide miraculous results. If you find yourself stepping on the scale or reaching for a measuring tape after every workout, you are likely to become frustrated and disappointed very quickly.
Being sensible about what you can expect from your workouts can solve this problem. If you view each workout as one step on the ladder, you will find them much more satisfying. It is a positive way to appreciate your hard work.
One idea is to keep a diary of your workout program. Jotting down a brief note after every workout can help you to keep track of what you are doing. It will give you a basic framework of how much you are accomplishing, and how much more you still need to do. It is also something nice to look back on once you have reached your goals. When you notice how much effort you have put into your workouts, you will appreciate your success even more!
When you first decided to try a home workout program, you may have had a different method of being goal-oriented. Perhaps you had seen someone on television, and admired how great the person looked. Perhaps you saw a picture in a magazine, and wished that you could look so amazing. When you are goal-oriented, it does not need to be merely wishful thinking! You can have a prefect body, just like those people you see in the media. All you have to do is know where you are, where you want to go, and how to arrive.
There is a little something extra to this aspect of being goal-oriented. If the person you admire the most is clearly showing his natural body, without any photographic enhancements or anything else unnatural, this can be a very good way to become more goal-oriented. Instead of envying the person with the perfect body, you can remind yourself that he had to work to get to where he is. He was not born with handsome muscles and a lean physique– he had to work hard for many months, possibly years, to look this way!
Reminding yourself that anything good takes time, hard work, and a great deal of patience, is the right way to become and to stay goal-oriented. While it may sound odd, or even a bit childish, posting a picture of someone with that perfect body where you can see it on a regular basis can be more useful than you realize. You can also tape or glue it onto the cover of your workout diary. It can provide that little extra bit of motivation, just when you need it the most!
Being goal-oriented does not mean focusing on your goal. Emphasizing the results you want can be counter-productive if it is not accompanied by the process. Like the old saying “Rome was not built in a day,” the perfect body was not achieved overnight. No one can gain all of the results they desire from one or two workout sessions. It requires the commitment of being both oriented to your goal, and appreciative of everything you need to do to get there, for you to have that body of your dreams.
It can take a long time to reach your goal of a perfect body. When you think of it in terms of redesigning your entire body, changing everything that has been adequate or neglected thus far into something spectacular, you cannot afford to be in too much of a hurry. After all, whatever your current age may be, you have gone this far in your lifetime without the workouts your body requires to be in top-notch condition.
A year, or perhaps more, is not too much to expect. When you do not demand overnight results, you will see results much sooner. Every small success, when it is acknowledged and appreciated, brings you that much closer to your ultimate goal.
Diet and Supplements
You are almost ready to start the wonderful adventure of home workouts! You have your goals in mind, and are willing to work toward them. You are making your plan for exercising, equipment you want to buy, and scheduling time into your day to put it all into practice. You are motivated, enthusiastic, and prepared! There is a little more which you must do before you begin.
When you are looking forward to that perfect body, strength, vigor, and all-around health are as important as your exciting new appearance. As you have already learned in this book, when home workouts are done on a regular basis, it can be one of the most positive factors in good health and a longer lifespan. However, if you want the very best results, some changes to your lifestyle are also necessary.
One lifestyle change involves your diet. Whether your diet has been relatively good, or whether you have spent years surviving on junk-food, planning your home workout program is the perfect time to implement some changes.
A healthy diet does not require a professional dietician’s input. All you really need to do is make a point of purchasing and eating healthy foods, and eliminating foods that are high in empty calories. If you want the perfect body, now is the time to give up carbonated soft drinks, alcohol, and other products which may taste good but do nothing for your body.
A healthy diet will make you healthier, of course. It also provides another benefit. Foods that are high in protein, and those that are rich in carbohydrates, provide long-lasting energy. When your diet contains plenty of these foods, not only will your workouts be easier, but your entire day will filled with natural energy.
Sweet foods and snacks give the opposite effect. They will cause your blood-sugar level to rise abruptly, and allow you to feel more energetic for a short period of time. As the effects of the sugar do not last long, your energy level will drop lower than it was before. Keeping your use of sugary snacks to a minimum will allow your energy level to remain consistent.
Dietary changes for the perfect body should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grain products. You will be amazed at how great you feel when these kinds of foods are the main focus of your daily diet. Equally important, the nutrients they provide will make you healthier than you ever were before. Your body’s systems will work better, and you will feel great!
When you are beginning a new home workout program, do not underestimate your body’s need for fluid. While this is important in general, it is even more relevant when you are doing strenuous exercise. Fresh water, cool fruit drinks, and drinks which are specially made for this purpose, will keep your body hydrated. Sports drinks which are designed to replace and balance electrolytes are a good choice.
Exercise depletes the body’s natural fluids. It often happens quite rapidly. Losing fluid through perspiration can make you feel run-down and tired, as well as undermining your body’s overall health. Be sure that you have plenty of liquid on hand to drink during your workout, and to drink afterward. It is essential to replenish your body’s natural fluids.
Planning your home workout program to include lifestyle changes should also include the use of supplements. No matter how healthy your diet may be, the lack of any essential nutrients can impede your progress. For example, you might not be aware of how minerals can be lost through normal perspiration. This is especially true when you are perspiring excessively during workouts.
Multi-vitamin and mineral supplements are a positive addition to your home workout program. You do not have to spend a fortune on name-brand supplements. With a little comparison-shopping, you can less expensive supplements that provide all of the nutritional elements you need. Choosing a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement for your daily use is more than a good decision to add to your workout program– it is a healthy habit that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
You may be wondering why a home workout program contains so many more extras than you had initially considered. The reason for this is that a perfect body requires much more than some basic exercises and equipment. If you want your workout program to be truly productive, you must focus on your entire body as a whole. This means getting healthier, increasing your stamina, and making sure that your body has everything it needs for a rigorous workout and all the years ahead.
As you have learned in this book, there is much to do, and much to gain from doing it. At times, it may not be easy, but it is not complicated. When you know what you want, and are willing to do the work to achieve it, that perfect body can be yours!
Success!
If you have been approaching the subject of home workouts with the goal of a perfect body in mind, there is one additional point to consider. While you may have much to overcome in order to get the great body you are dreaming of, you cannot allow success to mean complacency. What we mean by this is that even after you reach your goal, you can backslide if you do not continue the practices and habits you have learned in this book.
When you reach success, you have so many reasons to be proud of yourself! It takes work, motivation, time, commitment, and determination to gain that perfect body! When you reach your goal, you surely do not want to risk losing it.
Instead of looking at your home workout program as a means to an end, think of it as habits and practices that will benefit you throughout the rest of your lifetime. While you may not need to continue the same exercise routines as you use to get into shape, you must continue exercising to stay in shape. Otherwise, the solid muscle you have put so much time into building and perfecting can lose its tone.
The same is true with your dietary changes. When you get into the habit of eating only nutritious foods, and taking dietary supplements, you must look forward to continuing this practice for the rest of your life.
While a little backsliding is natural, you do not want to risk everything which you have worked so hard to attain. Making your program a lifetime program will help to ensure that you keep it. You can look great, feel great, and even proceed into old age when you make it all a part of your everyday life.
The success of a perfect body does not come easily, or quickly. Now that you know the steps you need to take to reach your goal, it can happen for you! You will surely be delighted with the results!
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