by Amanda Allen

Created on: October 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

If you want to get fit, but cannot afford a gym membership, or just don't like exercising around other people, then an at-home exercise routine may be just what you need. I'll give you some tips and information that will help you get the most out of your home workout.

You may think that you don't have time to work out, but nothing could be further from the truth. You don't have to do all your exercising at one time. (Most of us don't have thirty minutes or an hour of uninterrupted free time, anyhow!) Do it in segments. If you have stairs, run up and down them. Add more walking to your day. When you go to the grocery store, or the mall, don't take the parking space closest to the door. Pick a space that's a little further away, and get in a little exercise!

Incorporate some strength-training moves into your everyday activity. Do squats and lunges when you are doing your household chores. Do pushups or jumping jacks while your favorite TV show is on a commercial break. There are ways to fit exercise into your day...you just have to realize that you are worth the time and the effort!

If you have small children at home, it can DEFINITELY be hard to find time to exercise. I know it is, I have been there myself. If they are infants or toddlers, try to do your workout while they are napping. If your children are a little older, get them in on the action! Kids like to imitate Mom and Dad, so let them exercise with you. Give them a rolled up towel or stuffed animal to use as a "dumbbell", or have them count your reps for you. You could take them for walks, or bike rides if they are old enough. Teach your kids to be active while they are young, and the habit will stick with them for life.

If you don't know how to start a home exercise routine, or don't know what exercises to do, here is a quick workout that I have used personally.

10-Minute Total-body Workout:

Ball Squats- Stand with your back to a wall, with a stability ball at the small of your back. Move into a squat position (the ball should now be right over your shoulder blades). Rise back up to stand, and repeat 10 times.

Tricep Dips-Sit on a sturdy chair. Scoot your bottom out to where you are just barely sitting on the edge of the seat. Put your hands on the edge of the chair, and lower your body to the floor until your elbows are at a 90 degree angle. Raise yourself back up to your starting position, and repeat 8-10 times.

Pushups-Lie face down on the floor. Put your hands right beneath your shoulders, and push up until your chest is off the floor and your arms are straight. Lower yourself back down to complete one rep. Repeat at least ten more times.

Lunges-Stand with feet touching each other. Take one large step forward, and bend your front leg so that your knee is positioned right over your ankle. Your back leg should be bent at a 90 degree angle, with the knee a couple of inches off the ground. Raise back up to your starting position. Repeat ten more times.

Dead lifts-Hold a 5-lb dumbbell, or other heavy object in each hand. Stand with your legs touching each other, knees slightly bent. Bend from the waist, until the weights are almost touching the ground. Raise back up to complete one rep. Repeat ten times.

All of these moves work multiple muscle groups, so you get more payoff in less time. To make the workout more challenging, add heavier weights, or do more repetitions.

With these tips, and your ambition, staying at home doesn't mean sacrificing the quality of your workout. Stay focused, and stay strong!

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