I know this is the sort of thing you'd usually read about in the early days of the new year, but I have a confession to make. Since moving to Seattle, I've gained 15 pounds, and I'm worried that I'll have to swap my LBD for a muumuu this holiday season! In San Diego, I walked everywhere, but I just can't motivate myself to do that when icy rain is pelting my face. The solution: working out at home. But how?
To clear up the obvious question — why don't I join a gym? — let me just say that it's not in the budget, and even if it were, I have despised gyms since the first one I went to when I was a kid (I grew up in SoCal and started early).
I think working out at home is more doable, and I have a few items to facilitate home workouts, from my ballet barre (I really dig The Bar Method) to hand weights, yoga blocks, and a few pieces of resistance tubing. I have a stack of DVDs, too.
This year, my man and I are thinking about buying some kind of cardio machine, but everything I've looked at is so bulky and ugly, with the exception of the super high-end stuff. And I wonder if, like my existing stash of gear, an elliptical or rowing machine would simply collect dust.
It's not that I'm lazy — not entirely, anyway. I ski all winter and hike all summer. But I love food and booze, too, so working out is a necessity.
I think a big part of the problem is that I don't have a designated place to exercise at home. We keep our TV downstairs in the finished basement, where one overzealous relevé could put a hole through the low ceiling. Instead, I've taken to working out in my home office, but I have twinges of guilt and stress whenever I stare at the pile of work on my desk. It's really hard to make that mental switch.
In a fantasy world, we'd all have fabulous home gyms like the one pictutred above from Interiorholic. They've rounded up a few inspiring spaces in their Home Gym Interior Design Ideas post, but they're all high-end and I'm looking for realistic solutions. Other than persuading a drill sergeant with a whistle to work for free (maybe I can borrow Tracy Anderson from Gwynnie?), I'm stumped.
So, readers, I turn to you: How do you make working out at home work for you? What kind of equipment do you use? Do you have a designated area in your home?
MORE HOME GYM POSTS ON APARTMENT THERAPY
• Tips for Creating a Home Gym
• Make Your Home Workout-Friendly For the Winter
• Do You Camouflage Exercise Gear?
Image: Via Interiorholic
Weekend DIYs: 10 Wood Molding Projects for the Home
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
Have you thought about an indoor bike trainer? If you already own a bike for outdoor riding, it's easy to set up and stash out of the way. It's also more affordable than some larger pieces of cardio equipment. Here is just one example: http://www.rei.com/product/707996/cycleops-magnetic-bike-trainer?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-gpeLink-_-product-_-707996&mr:trackingCode=E8764FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&{copy:s_kwcid}=&mr:adType=pla&gclid=CIm6uve3r6wCFUbf4AodYz8AGA
Good luck!
I had a treadmill for a few years; unfortunately, I ended up wearing it out. When it became clear that I would have to spend a lot more money for one that would keep up with my walking habits (3-5 miles a day 5-6 days a week), I decided to walk outside when I can (I live in WI, so don't walk when it is icy or below about 20F due to bronchial issues). I also have a gym membership close to my home for days I can't.
I lived in the PNW for 12 years and I actually loved walking in the rain and the damp. If you get good waterproof shoes and a good raincoat, it can actually be very invigorating. I walked 3 miles each way to work and only missed a few days over 10 years I was in that job. Of course, my "perfect climate" would probably be Scotland, so I may not be the best person to ask.
It doesn't usually rain hard in Seattle. When I moved to Washington state from California, I bought a big raincoat and rainhat and sometimes also used an umbrella. I learned to love walking in the rain
Try looking for 'used' exercise machines on Craigslist; there are a lot of exercise machines out there that got very little use by their first owners! ; )
I have a Healthrider that was basically new when I got it used, and I really like it. And it fits in the closet in my spare bedroom when I have company.
I use a jumprope when I travel and incorporate basic movements like sit ups, push ups, squats, etc. into short, interval style workouts. As long as the ceiling in your office is high enough for a jumprope, should work for you!
DVDs. I have all of Jillian Michael's DVDs, hand weights and a mat. But I have to be honest, my husband created a workout room for me in our new house. It is in the utility room in the basement. It isn't pretty, but it is my space with a treadmill, a spin bike and a new elliptical that he bought me. I am spoiled. But with 3 kids, a mom with Alzheimers and a full time job, I really need this space at 5 a.m. every morning because we live in Madison, WI.
Good luck.
@Anepasor: You deserve that room and a halo! My goodness, your post is as good as a drill sergeant. I'm impressed. Compared to Wisconsin, Seattle is a sauna, so I should just suck it up and get back to my walking (other than my usual mile or two with the pooch). I guess I got spoiled in San Diego, but maybe I'll learn to be invigorated by the rain. Also, K1tsun3, thanks for the tip about Craigslist. I occasionally see workout gear at the Goodwill, also, so maybe I'll give that a go.
I've got the same set up as anepasor, above, including my disabled sibling I care for in addition to kids. Michigan winters will pack pounds on the foodies in this home, too! Jillian's DVD's never fail to kick my behind, however last year I shelled out some dough and bought a CyclOps trainer for my road bike and did that for about 20 minutes every morning before work because I was getting bored of my Jillian routine. After the bike, I'd do her ab routine. The trainer is pretty compact and stows away well -- however it's not cheap -- but, it does the job if you like to bike.
Our "workout room" is in our utility/laundry room in the basement as well...we're lucky not to have low ceilings. My husband has hung a piece of metal pipe from chain on one of the ceiling joists and uses it for pull ups. I think the hardest thing about working out at home is making time for it because it's easy to get sidelined by housework, kids and the couch...and angry birds.
I want the life that goes with the picture above.
People I know swear by the wii fit - apparently you can watch tv while working out with the wii running in the background. 3 miles walked in an hour long show isn't too bad.
awesome & beautiful!
http://www.waterrower.com/
bodyrock.tv awesome intense home workouts and most you can do without any equipment at all.
@anepasor Thank for the inspiration. I'm 20 minutes northwest of Madison and... I love winter but I sure can't count on working out in the elements. Congrats on your room!
The Midwest certainly does make it rough to be inspired to go someplace to workout in the winter. As long as I have room for my yoga mat somewhere I'm pretty happy. I loose out on cardio that way, but yoga does wonders. And there's a lot of programs to follow streaming online.
I hear ya! I've gained 30 lbs since my move to Maui from Honolulu. I think just a lot of change can derail healthy living also. Good luck!
If you don't like a gym, are there other alternatives (Zumba, pilates) that might be to your liking? I don't have room in my place for a cardio machine so I do the outside walking (I take pics along the way for my blog so double duty), swim and go to a variety of other non big gym like activities.
It sounds like you have all the raw materials...perhaps one thing factor in is how you see your workouts.
For sure exercising to ward off too much food and booze are good reasons, but one that might motivate you more is you realizing that you are loving yourself when you work out. You are bringing the very best of yourself with each workout.
Designating an hour to focus on you no longer should excite feelings of guilt but exhilaration that you will be a better partner, employee and 'you' after a good sweaty burn:).
Resistance bands (5 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb) do the most for keeping me looking like a hottie. When I get buff enough, I'll move up to the 50 lb bands, but I'm good with the 10 lb one for now. Compact, light, easily transportable... what's not to like?
I'm also contemplating buying an indoor bike trainer as well for the winter, and then riding it outdoors when spring comes.
I have a wii, and just got just dance 3. They have challenges to keep you motivated and its fun to dance first thing in the morning.
I do 90 minutes a day on my Schwinn Airdyne exercycle while watching podcasts, and I go to gentle yoga once a week. The bike is in my home office, but I completely understand what you mean about the stress of your work nearby. Would your TV room be an alternative?
If you start a routine like this and stick with it for a little while, you'll feel so great you won't want to miss it.
I should really walk more, though, so if you will, I will ;-)
Good luck, and thank you for all your great AT articles!
I'm also a fellow Bar Method lover. Currently I'm taking the classes in studio 4 days a week, but when I don't have time I use the DVDs at home.
The equipment is so minimal, I love it.
I actually love running in the rain! I had a hard time adjusting to it when we were in Portland, but after a while, that misty cardio was something I looked forward to.
@Vintage Birthday: Yes, I will walk if you will. And thank YOU.
@JulieLeanne: Soooooo jealous. The nearest studio is pretty far from my house, and driving in Seattle is such a headache. I would definitely prefer to do the Bar Method with others. It's so challenging and especially fun if you've done ballet in the past!
hook your laptop up to your tv and stream you tube videos - the first three are the hardest, once you've established a habit, it will become part of your routine. I would figure out if you can establish a routine before buying expensive ugly bulky equipment (to make sure you will definitely use it.
We got a dog, which is great and also forces me to walk outside every single day no matter what. It's really, really, really good for me since I work from home.
Otherwise, I do yoga at home, which isn't ideal (I have to slide the coffee table out of the way) but works pretty well. The key for me was getting the equipment-- two blocks, a strap, a bolster, blankets, as well as a good Iyengar book. And I take one class a week at a nearby studio to keep me honest.
This is MAGIC for Pilates at home: http://www.elliehermanpilates.com/pilates-springboard/
She has amazing customer service, and offers a much better deal than if you order from Balanced Body or other outlets.
If I had to buy just one cardio machine, it would be a spin bike because of it's versatility. You can ride the bike seated or standing up, like a "real" bike. It's an amazing core workout.
Admittedly, I'm biased, because I'm both a bike commuter, as well as participate in cycling classes taught by a pro.
Another home workout alternative is power or flow yoga. I recently started taking classes, and I've become addicted. Minimal equipment needed. A couple of dvds, yoga mat and one or two yoga blocks.
This reminds me I need to start my diet.
Walking path behind our house in park goes 7 miles. Yoga strap for stretching. Dogs who demand play all day. oh! and Ping Pong is a shared passion with my partner (we don't do golf)
Doyogawithme.com is a great free yoga video source. Pretty scenery, great instructors and clearly stated goals/intensity for each video.
However, I was interested in the HOME DESIGN implications of this question. If you have equipment/machines, where do you put it? No one wants a treadmill floating in the bedroom, but it happens. One woman mentioned a utility room, for example. And how do you style that space if at all? For me, these things matter.
I have my green yoga mat and small dumbbells in a basket against a huge mirror propped against a wall in my great room. From the mirror hangs a framed quote about flexibility in life. This is a way I incorporate and encourage my own (admittedly inconsistent) yoga within my living space. However, I would like to have some sort of cardio machine, and that will go to the basement! Will enjoy pondering where, how and all the aesthetic implications.
Good luck to all on your fitness journeys.
From one Seattleite to another - WELCOME! It can be tough here in the winter...
I'm with Elle Town - I love my bike trainer - much less expensive than workout machines. They store nicely and hold their resale value better than a NordicTrak :)
Meetup.com has a trillion workout groups that could be a good way to to both meet new people and try workouts you hadn't considered before. Yoga studios offer free first-timer deals on Meetup all the time, too.
Run. Someone else mentioned that it doesn't rain that hard and I agree the rain can be nice if you're really working it - I recommend the Waterfront (with a friend at night though), Alki Beach, the Burke Gillman (again, buddy system at night).
Don't know if cable is in your budget, but Comcast On-Demand used to have free workout videos from ab workouts to yoga.
Buy 5 to 10 lb dumbbells or a tension band. I find if I hit three or four arm sets before jumping in the shower on work days it takes no time.
GOOD LUCK!! Ultimately you're going to have to do what works for you!
Personally, I think that photo is a crime scene of ugliness perpetrated on some fantastic architecture. Exercise equipment is really ugly and not necessary. Large towel, resistance bands, hand weights and DVDs. Back in the closet when done.
Wii Fit, Sara Ivanhoe yoga videos, and indoor sports. But really, moving to a walkable neighborhood is what has done the trick for me. Even though I'm also a rain-walker and love cloudy autumn walks, using my feet as a primary mode of transportation is really what keeps me going. If you can break away from your car, you'll be better for it.
I second the bodyrock.tv suggestion. I have little time/patience for long workouts, and these are short, effective, and all you really need is an interval timer, a yoga mat, and enough space to jump forward twice. Down with unnecessary equipment!
Workout DVDs have always worked great for me. Yoga, pilates - I've been sticking with gaiam's series of all sorts. Little equipment required & I buy a new CD every once in a while to keep it interesting. But I agree with others - invest in rain gear instead of an indoor machine. I love walking my dogs (I'm also a Seattleite) as long as I have my rain coat & layers on.
I don't know who your cable provider is, but here in LA I use Time Warner and their "On Demand" area has free 30 - 60 minute workout videos under the Exercise section. Those are a great compliment to a quick run or bike ride, and they actually range from deep stretching to cardio and weight workouts. I bought (2) 5lb weights from Ross for 3.99 each. TJ Maxx and Ross actually have a lot of at home work-out aids (bands, balls, weights, DVDs etc) that are very economically priced. Also, try checking out your local YMCA. When I lived in Scottsdale membership dues were something like 15$/month. Lastly, I'd also keep an eye out on Groupon or Living Social for Book Camps or Personal Training deals. Good Luck!
Lifehacker just had a piece on this. Maybe check out this article on how to work out at home with only your body. http://lifehacker.com/5839197/how-to-get-a-full-body-workout-with-nothing-but-your-body
Gear! You need gear! There is so much great weatherproof exercise clothing out there, it makes running (my thing) or walking in the rain (Northern California) fun. I actually look forward to the cooler months when I can 'gear up.'
Bodyrock.tv is great! Also, I find a lot of great short workouts that require little to no equipment on pinterest. The latest one I found is an intense interval workout that only takes 4 minutes!