Fitness: Get Fit, Stay Healthy & Travel

HOME GYM: Stay fit and fabulous, your way!

Take your fitness to the next level with a home gym

Are you tired of paying for a gym membership that you barely use?

Or maybe you don’t have time to go to the gym during the day or you’re on the move and don’t want the commitment.

A home or mobile gym may be the perfect solution for you, and be a brilliant investment for your fitness journey.

Not only do you have the convenience of working out in your own time and location, but you can also save money on membership fees.

Gym equipment can vary in cost, depending on what kinds of exercise equipment and machines you need.

You can purchase just one item at a time to mix and match with your available space and your budget, or they are available as part of fitness packages.

 

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

Here’s how to get started

To help you get started, I’ll look at the different pieces of equipment that will make all the difference to your home fitness routine and help you get results fast.

You may need little more than an aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights, but the sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have at home.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

If you’re short on time, consider investing in equipment that is efficient and doesn’t require a lot of set-up time, such as an elliptical trainer or a treadmill.

Home gyms can include models of gym-quality cardio machines such as rowing machines and stationary bicycles; free weights, including both standard barbells and ones you use by your own body weight.

There is multi-gym equipment that lets you do several exercises, using bars and cables to provide resistance; and ergonomic exercise machines designed to stretch and strengthen muscles.

Some home gyms have computers that track your progress by charting the number of times you use each piece of equipment, how many minutes you spend exercising, and what kinds of exercises you do.

Home gyms are becoming more popular as people realize how much fun it is to exercise at home with all the variety of equipment one could want.

You don’t need to go out of your way or spend more money on a gym membership.

Think about the places you already have equipment in your home, like some weights and an exercise bench.

Here are some things to consider for getting a great workout in your own home gym.

Top pieces of home gym equipment for women

First, you need to decide what your goals are. Are you looking to tone up or lose weight?

Once you know what you’re working towards, it’ll be easier to choose the right equipment.

Another thing to consider is how much time you can devote to working out each day.

If you’re only able to work out for 30 minutes a day, then you’ll need different equipment.

But which pieces of equipment should you buy to create the best home gym for women?

Here’s a list of our favourites.

  1. Elliptical machine – great for a low-impact workout that targets all major muscle groups
  2. Treadmill – perfect for runners of all levels, and you can adjust the incline to make it more challenging
  3. Stationary bike – an ideal choice if you want to pedal while watching TV or reading a book
  4. Resistance bands – these are a great way to tone your muscles without using too much weight
  5. Pilates ball – this is perfect for strengthening your core and improving your balance
  6. Yoga mat – yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and relieve stress, and you can do it at home with a mat

By now, you should have a better idea about what equipment and accessories you’d like for your home gym, but if you’re still not sure where to start, consider asking professional help to assess your needs before you go shopping.

It’s also important to make sure that you are using your home gym equipment correctly so that you can get the most out of your workout.

If you’re looking for more variety, check out my store where there are sorts of fitness equipment that can be used at home with minimal space requirements.

Meanwhile, stay tuned – in the coming weeks, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the different pieces of equipment.

 

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.

You may need little more than resistance bands, a fitness ball, aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

 

 

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Best resistance bands for home gyms

What Resistance bands should I get?

There’s no doubt that resistance bands are a great way to get a workout, but choosing the right ones can be tricky.

With all the different brands and types available, it’s hard to know which resistance bands are best for you.

In this blog post, we’ll help you figure out which resistance bands are right for you and give you some tips on how to use them for the best results.

Stay tuned—we’re about to dive into everything you need to know about resistance bands.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

Degree of Resistance

This is the most obvious point in deciding which specific level of resistance band you should go for.

It depends on what your goal and requirements are in general.

If you are only looking to tone your body and maintain a general level of fitness and health, then it’s better to go for medium or low resistance bands.

It’s a similar scenario for people looking to get resistance bands for corrective exercises or physiotherapy sessions for recovery or rehabilitation after injury.

If you are looking for an intense workout and actively pursuing the goal of budding muscle or burning fat, you can go for bands with higher resistance levels.

If you are looking for a band that helps to do pull-ups or dips, it is also recommended to have a higher resistance.

This is because the band has to hold a part of your body weight without tearing.

Type of Resistance bands

Like many other home-based workout equipment, resistance bands can also be of different types.

For instance, standard large loop resistance bands are used for stability on heavy compound lifts and assistance of movements like pull-ups.

Thin tube bands usually offer lower resistance levels and are generally used for corrective postural exercises for rehab and joint strengthening programs.

Mini-bands are a great option if you are short on space in your home gym.

Resistance bands with handles are also effective and can give you the feeling of cables found in gymnasiums.

They also offer better grip and allow you to do standard exercises by replicating movements that you would find people doing in gyms.

Fitness Goals

Ultimately the type of resistance bands you go for depends on your long-term fitness goals and what you are trying to achieve.

As a rule of thumb, we can say that whenever you feel the burn and the tension in the muscle, the resistance band is doing its job.

So ideally, you would want to have a combination of different bands to help you cover different bases in our workouts.

It’s also useful to sometimes chop and change to keep your body from getting adapted to a specific type of level of resistance.

Conclusion

resistance bands offer the chance of a great workout at relatively low costs.

If you are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or adopt a healthy lifestyle in general, resistance bands can be a handy tool.

Be sure to select the right bands based on the information shared above on your goals and fitness requirements.

We recommend you get a combination of different bands so that you can reap the benefits of a complete workout without having to make any compromises.

Good qualities in bands can prove to be a valuable investment for your long-term health and wellness.

 

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.

You may need little more than resistance bands, a fitness ball, aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

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5 Tips For Choosing The Best Fitness Ball

Learn how to choose a fitness ball

What’s the best fitness ball for you? It depends on how you plan to use it.
Here, I’ll help you choose the perfect one for your workouts to stay comfortable and supported while getting the most out of your fitness routine.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

1.   Measure your height

The first step towards choosing a fitness ball is to measure your height.
You can do this by standing against a wall with your shoes off and marking the spot where your head reaches.
Then, use a measuring tape to measure the actual height.

2.   Purchase a ball that matches your height

Once you have your height, choosing a fitness ball becomes easy.
We have an approximate size chart that will guide you in the process.

  • 18 inches (46 cm) ball for 5 feet (152 cm) or shorter
  • 22 inches (56 cm) pilates ball for 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) to 5 feet 7 inch (170 cm)
  • 26 inches (66 cm) ball for 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) to 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
  • 30 inches (76 cm) ball for 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) or taller

It is best to choose a larger ball if you suffer from problems with the back, have long legs, or plan to do some intense stretching exercises using the fitness ball.

3.   Made of breathable material

Your fitness ball must be of breathable material.
This is because you will exercise on it, and your body will be touching the ball as you do so.
This means that all the sweat will also stick to the ball’s surface.
Breathable materials like linen fabrics ensure that the sweat is easily absorbed and the fitness ball remains cool and dry.

4.   The firmness of the pilates ball

Along with the height and the ball’s material, its firmness is something else you should keep in mind while choosing one.
The fitness ball should be firm to sustain your weight and aid you in your exercise workouts effectively.
However, the ball should not be as stretched like a drum.
That will make your workouts very uncomfortable and even painful.

There is a way to ensure that your fitness ball is just firm enough.
First, you should sit on the ball and look at the mirror.
There should be a slight indenture in the ball where you are sitting.
If this happens, you will know that the ball’s firmness is perfectly suited for your exercises.

5.   Anti-burst properties

Most fitness balls come with a description that includes the term ‘anti-burst.’
What does this mean?
This simply means that the ball contains certain anti-burst properties that prevent it from bursting at any point and causing an accident.
Instead, these balls slowly get deflated when there is a puncture, giving you ample time to move away from it.

Fitness balls, like the Swiss balls, are made of honeycomb structures that create burst-proof bubbles on them and prevent the ball from bursting.
If you are using a ball made of PVC material, ensure it’s a thick PVC.
If it is thin, the ball can burst out of the blue.

Frequently Asked Questions

woman on a fitness ball

1.      What is the maximum weight that an exercise ball can take?

There is no one standard answer to this as different fitness balls have a different threshold for weight.
Most balls offer a maximum weight of 113 kgs, but you will surely find ones that support a higher range.

2.      How durable are exercise balls?

This depends on the quality of the ball and the care with which you use it.
Thin, flimsy balls will be damaged within a year, while the superior-quality ones are said to last for many years.

Summing Up

Pilates or any similar exercise is an excellent way to gain body balance and strengthen your core.
The fitness ball is a superb aid to support you in your efforts.
This article has attempted to effectively sum up certain factors to keep in mind before choosing an exercise ball.
If you follow these, you will most definitely find a ball that suits your needs and requirements.

 

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.
You may need little more than an aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.
One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

 

 

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Try our Top 5 Workout DVDs for Women

Workout DVDs: Lose weight and feel great

Many women would love to have a tighter, more toned body but don’t have time to go to a gym.
While streaming services do offer home gym sessions, not everyone likes the recurring subscription costs.
That’s where workout DVDs come in!
Buy a DVD and it’s yours to use whenever you wish without any further costs.
You can do it at home on your own time and get significant results.
Here we’ve put together a list of our top five workout DVDs for women, so read on to see which one is right for you.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

1.   Personal Trainer by X-TrainFit

If you want a toned body for yourself but do not have any time to hit the gym,  this 90-day workout DVD by expert trainer Stephanie Oram will prove immensely helpful.
Personal Trainer by X-TrainFit includes 12 different workouts in 12 separate DVDs.
The workout is aimed at helping you burn fat and build lean muscle by doing several exercises for 35 minutes every day over 90 days.
There is also a 90-day workout tracker available to track your progress.
A training guide and training calendar come with the workout DVD.
The meal plan provided will guide you in controlling your nutritional intake with every meal to achieve your fitness goals.
Stephanie Oram will keep you motivated by her words, and you will surely notice the results at the end of the stipulated period.

2.   Evergreen Wellness Workout Challenge

The Evergreen Wellness workout DVD is another saviour for women who work out at home.
This one is specially created for beginners and seniors above 50 years of age.
With this 30-day workout challenge, you will see the impact on full-body fitness.
The workout routines consist of walking exercises that are easy to follow and not exhaustive.
This has been designed to keep age and specific health conditions in mind.
This workout DVD will help you feel better.
The routines are also entertaining, as they include classic rock and roll themes music.
It should keep your toes tapping and motivate you to exercise every day.

3.   Gentle Yoga

Workout and exercise do not always have to be pumped up and exhaustive.
It can also be calming and relaxing, like yoga.
So many people are gradually adopting this as a part of their lifestyle.
This Gentle Yoga workout DVD offers you seven beginning yoga practices for people aged between 40 and 70.
It has been shot at the Glacier National Park, and you can experience its beauty through the segments of the yoga practice.
There are seven completely different routines in the DVD that you can listen to at different points of the day.
All of them are pretty easy to do, and you will master over 100 yoga poses with the help of this workout DVD.

4.   Befit: 30-day Butt Lift

The fourth workout DVD we have chosen for you is the Befit: 30-day Butt Lift workout routine.
It is mainly aimed at shaping your backside and features fitness experts Alicia Marie and Courtney Prather, who will guide you through every step.
The routines comprise a unique blend of innovative cardio, target-toning strength, yoga, and ballet-inspired movements.
You can slim your thighs, hips, and abs with the help of this fantastic workout DVD by Befit.

5.   Strong by Zumba

Strong by Zumba is an initiative by a group of health and fitness experts.
They believe Zumba is a workout that exercises every part of your body and helps the parts move in sync with each other and the beats of music.
This is a 60-minute high-intensity workout DVD with a bonus 20-minute workout.
The movements have proven to burn two times more calories than the machines at your gym.
Try this revolutionary workout at home, and you will not be disappointed.

Workout DVDs Conclusion

Workout DVDs are a great way to exercise daily, especially during events such as the Covid-19 pandemic when gyms were closed or restricted in most places.
With these DVDs, you can exercise in the comforts of your home at any time of the day.
Not only is this more cost-effective but it can also be more fun when you’re not worrying about keeping up with the class.
Try out our top five picks of workout DVDs, and we hope you like them just as much as we do.

 

Healthy Eating for Women

… and for some tips on healthy eating for women, check out this video from Anamra Info Hub:

 

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.

You may need little more than a fitness ball, aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

 

 

 

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Aerobic Stepper: Top 5 Tips When Buying

Learn what to look for when buying an aerobic stepper

Aerobic steppers are a great way to get in shape, and they come in all different shapes and sizes.

If you’re looking for an aerobic stepper, it’s essential to know what to look for so you can choose the best one to suit your needs.

Here are five tips to help you when buying an aerobic stepper.


Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

1.   Length

It is vital to keep in mind the length of an aerobic stepper before you purchase it.

The length that will suit you depends on what goals you have in mind to achieve with it.

For example, if your workout routine consists of aerobics, crossover steps, or cardio exercise, it is best to purchase a slightly longer aerobic stepper to accommodate a wider stance.

2.   Adjustable height

If the aerobic stepper is for a gym, it is ideal to purchase one with an adjustable height.

This way, different individuals can use the stepper.

Approximately 2-5 risers will suffice for this purpose.

These many risers will allow you to raise the aerobic stepper to a maximum of 10 inches.

An aerobic stepper with adjustable height also allows you to explore different exercises.

However, if you are buying one just for yourself, you can go for steppers without adjustable height as well.

3.   Sturdy construction

You don’t want an aerobic stepper that shakes under your weight.

This can create quite a distracting situation during a workout.

Firstly, check for the maximum weight that a stepper can take before purchasing it.

Then, you should also try out the stepper before getting it home to check whether or not it’s sturdy.

You should feel completely comfortable using the device.

The material used to make the aerobic stepper will also give you valuable information about this aspect.

Knowledge about the different materials, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, or ABS, helps in this regard.

4.   Slip resistance

Check if the aerobic stepper has a good grip since this is a crucial factor for your workouts.

The stepper should be slip-resistant.

The legs of the stepper should be strong and sturdy enough to stay in place and not move as you exercise.

It is best to ensure you purchase aerobic steppers that come with anti-slip grips, as this will prevent the floor from getting scratches.

The surface texture will also tell you whether or not the stepper is slip-resistant.

Rubber is a great non-slip material, and it is durable as well.

5.   Shock absorbency

The last tip that we have for you is to ensure your aerobic stepper is shock absorbent.

Heavy exercise can have a great impact on your joints.

However, a shock-absorbent stepper can reduce the intensity of this impact.

This will prevent you from feeling the usual post-workout pain and injury.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What exercises can I do on an aerobic stepper?

If your workout goals include fat burning and weight loss, aerobic steppers are a great tool.

You can do a range of exercises using the stepper, such as jump squats, tuck jumps, V-steps, repeaters, and many more.

2.    Can I make an aerobic stepper at home?

Several DIY guides and videos are available on the internet that will help you achieve this.

However, it might not be as durable and sturdy as a store-bought aerobic stepper.

If it ultimately breaks under the pressure of your workouts, your hard work will be for nothing.

To Sum Up

Aerobic steppers are a great tool to include in your fitness regime, especially cardio exercises.

You can just put on some music in your own home gym and go at it.

However, you must consider certain factors before purchasing an aerobic stepper.

We have provided a brief list of these factors here today and hope they guide you in making the right decision.

 

aerobic stepper - woman exercising at home

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.

You may need little more than a fitness ball, aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

 

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Yoga For Beginners: 5 Ways to Get Started At Home

How to start a home yoga practice you’ll stick with

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought about starting a home yoga practice but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

Maybe you’re worried that you won’t stick with it or that it will be too hard to learn on your own.

In this post, I’m going to share some tips on what you need and how to get started, so you’ll stick with it.

So read on and get started.

 

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

1.   Plan a set sequence and stick to it

Yoga can be one of the most liberating experiences for your body and mind.

You can derive a lot of power and stability of the mind by maintaining consistency.

This is only possible by following a set sequence every day.

Instead of focusing on what pose to do next, you can focus more on the breathing and inner chakras.

A set sequence can also help your mind attain more concentration.

However, every day following the same routine can also become cumbersome at times.

You can be smart about sequencing your yoga exercises by playing around with the poses and modifying them.

2.   Set aside a fixed time every day

The best way to stick to your home yoga practice is to allocate a fixed time for doing it every day.

Even 15 minutes is sufficient, but those 15 minutes, you need to shut yourself out from the rest of the world and focus on your inner self.

The best way to achieve this consistency without failure is by starting small and gradually spending more time on the different asanas.

3.   Make yoga a priority and sanctify it.

Make yoga your priority for the specific period within which you do it and sanctify it as well. What does that mean?

Choose a spot in the house away from all the sound and hullabaloo.

This can be a small altar sanctified only for yoga and not scrolling mindlessly through social media.

Communicate with others in the house to convey how important those few minutes of practice are and ask them to maintain peace.

4.   Shuffle your schedule of self-practice

It is beneficial to go in for regular tune-ups like signing up for yoga workshops or classes.

This will help you improve your practice, understand where you are going wrong, what new things you can add to the sequence, and so on.

This is a great time for gaining inspiration to continue practice with a new zeal.

5.   Utilize all the resources at your disposal

If you are smart about your home yoga practice, you will have all the motivation to stick to it. But you must use all the resources at your disposal. This includes the internet as well.

There are many informative videos, lectures, and blogs to watch/read to know more about yoga.

There are also different asanas, the right technique to do them, and so on.

The research will always pave the way for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Is home yoga effective?

This depends on a few circumstantial factors.

For example, for some people, home is the safest place in the world, and doing yoga there helps them fulfil all the goals they wish to with the practice.

However, for many others, the home might be a chaotic space, and hence, they prefer going out for classes or outside, even if it is to the terrace.

2.    What is the best time to do yoga at home?

The best time to do yoga at home is early in the morning.

It is usually when the rest of the house is asleep, and even the outside environment is conducive for a peaceful meditative state.

Listening to the chirping of birds, the wind, and breathing in the fresh air can be beneficial.

Summing up

Yoga has healed people in different ways and has been able to bring about drastic positive changes in their lives.

If you are planning to do yoga at home and wondering if you can stick to the routine, this article might help you with some tips.

 

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.

You may need little more than a fitness ball, aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

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Free Weights v Exercise Machines

Are Free Weights Better Than Machines?

This is a question that many women ask, and there is no simple answer.

Both free weights and exercise machines have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to what you prefer.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each option, so you can make a more informed decision about what’s right for your needs.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Australia Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.

Free Weights

Most people who work out daily in the present times tend to rely more on machines than free weights like dumbbells and barbells.

free weights - woman holding dumbell

The latter is considered old-fashioned.

If you are one of these people, it is time to reconsider your opinion by looking at some of the pros of using free weights.

Pros:

  • Free weights require very little space to be stored and are also more affordable. If you have a home gym, storing free weights might be a more practical thing to do.
  • Free weights are known for their versatile functions when training your muscles. So you can use them to do various creative and beneficial exercises.
  • With free weights, you can build more core body strength
  • If you are looking to achieve weight loss or increase in body size, etc., free weights are the best
  • Free weights allow the working of the smaller muscles in your body, which tend to get neglected

Cons:

  • Constantly changing the weights on dumbbells or barbells can be time-consuming and risky if the weights slide down and hit your feet.
  • If too many people use free weights in a small space, it can be quite challenging. Exercises involving the use of free weights require some amount of space.
  • Isolating specific muscles completely with free weights can be a challenging task.

Exercise Machines

Exercise machines also have their share of pros and cons.

The new generation going into physical training tends to be drawn more towards weight machines.

Pros:

  • If your goal includes isolating and focussing on specific muscles or groups of muscles, exercise machines are a better idea.
  • When many people are working out in a small space, machines can be more beneficial than free weights. Thus, they are an efficient use of space.
  • Machines do not require much manual work when it comes to the set-up and even changing the load is easier and much more efficient.
  • Exercise machines are a safer option for novices at the beginning stages of their training period. However, it requires the proper guidelines and instructions.

Cons:

  • Movements done with free weights are more functional whereas, those done with exercise machines are not as natural.
  • You will find it extremely challenging to work on stabilizer and helper muscles with machines.
  • Overuse injuries are common when it comes to using exercise machines
  • Exercise machines are designed keeping in mind an average-sized human, which can be a problem for very short or tall people.
  • Every machine serves a specific purpose, and you will require several different machines to get a full-body workout.
  • Exercise machines can drive a hole through your pocket.
  • You cannot achieve high-speed weight training with these machines.

Conclusion

With so many factors to keep in mind, it can be a hard decision that one has to take while choosing between free weights and exercise machines.

Both have their merits and demerits.

It largely depends on the fitness goals you have set for yourself.

Depending on that, you can choose which will aid you better in achieving those goals.

It also depends on your abilities and the stage of training you are at.

Seek advice from expert trainers to know more.

Read more about the Best Home Gym Equipment For Women here.

 

Looking for more inspiration?

The sky’s the limit when it comes down to what you could have in your own home gym.

You may need little more than a fitness ball, aerobic stepper, yoga mat, workout DVD and some hand weights.

One of the best things about having a home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs.

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