Getting in Shape at Home
We know the benefits of working out far outweigh the excuses for not getting to the gym, but sometimes it’s the gym that’s the obstacle, not the exercise. Women, especially those in their 50s, need more strength training than their younger counterparts.
Strength training with equipment such as free weights and exercise bands helps guard against diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis; it is also credited with lessening the symptoms of menopause such as sleeplessness, hot flashes, and joint pain. When a woman strength trains in her 50’s and beyond, the exercise can help ensure her long-term mobility, flexibility, and balance, which encourages a more active, healthy lifestyle into her twilight years.
For older women who want to avoid the headaches and hassles of working out at a gym, investing in a few pieces of quality cardio equipment – such as an exercise bike or treadmill – and strength training equipment may be the answer. If space is a concern, most equipment can be folded up and tucked away when not in use, allowing you to work out anywhere in your home – even an outdoor deck or patio when the weather allows – without dedicating precious floor space or entire rooms to your pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
Benefits to Getting in Shape At Home
Aside from the obvious convenience of location and schedule flexibility, there are other benefits to getting in shape with a home gym in Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs or Queensbury:
- Cost savings. In some cases, the cost of an exercise bike or treadmill is equal to three monthly membership payments to a local gym. You will also see savings when you cut out the expense of travelling to and from the gym and when you trade in your pricey workout attire for a pair of old sweats and a sports bra – because at home, shoes (and even shirts) are not required.
- Workout variety. Gone are the days of collecting multiple DVDs to experience variety in your home workout. Thanks to the internet, you can bring the workout options and exercise classes of the gym into your living room. Sites such as Daily Burn allow you to experience the benefits of gym membership, such as strength training classes and exercise tips, as well as personal trainers, on your schedule, at your pace, in your home.
- Safety. Fitting a workout into your daily schedule can be difficult. You may find yourself working out very early in the morning or very late at night, leaving you vulnerable as you walk to and from your vehicle in the dark.
- Alone time. Of all the reasons for not working out at the gym, the most compelling for is the opportunity to indulge in self-supporting “me time” or solitude. The opportunity to focus and listen to your body becomes more important as you age; it also contributes to mental alertness and clarity.
There is no need to feel pressured to take a gym membership you may never use, when you can get an effective workout in your own living room. When it comes to staying fit after 50, women in Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs and Queensbury turn to the experts at Concepts in Fitness for the best in-home fitness equipment, knowledgable support and reliable service.