SATURDAY, July 23, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- Americans who hate the gym and don't like to work out in the sweltering summer heat don't have to give up on exercise altogether, experts say.
Instead, they should start exercising at home, after carefully planning a personalized workout program.
"There are tons of advantages to working out at home," said Amy Eyler, associate professor of community health at Saint Louis University School of Public Health. "It's convenient -- you don't have to drive anywhere. You can exercise in your baggiest, ugliest clothes and no one will care. You can plan your exercise schedule for the week and you don't have to worry about treadmills not being available or broken machines at the gym."
According to the experts, creating a realistic and lasting home workout regimen requires:
Dollars. First, figure out how much money you want to invest in equipment. This doesn't mean high-tech expense: calisthenics don't cost anything and can be very effective, while other equipment such as exercise balls, free weights and resistance bands are cheap ways to add variety to a workout.
Sense. Devise realistic workouts and stick with them. Eyler recommends starting with three 30-minute sessions a week, and working up from there.
Goals. Look past the scale for signs of success, the experts advise. While weight and measurements are one way to judge success, others include the fit of clothes, energy levels, quality of sleep and the ability to deal with stressful situations.
More information
The American Council on Exercise has more about workout techniques.
SOURCES: Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, news release, July 15, 2005
