How to not sweat the cost when working out
When it’s time to work out, make your rental unit space work for you.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults should perform at least 2½ to 5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. However, more than 15% of U.S. adults don’t adhere to these guidelines.
When choosing an apartment community, the fitness amenities may be a deciding factor. Many have expansive fitness facilities, which often include free exercise classes such as yoga or HIIT.
Even if the on-site fitness facilities are limited in your apartment community, you can swim laps at the pool on the property or even complete an efficient workout without even leaving your rental unit.
Setting up an indoor gym may sound intimidating. However, it may be more achievable than you think.
First, find an area in your space that you can transform into your own condensed gym. Confirm the area is spacious enough to fit your body while lying flat with your arms and legs extended outward and far enough away from large or fragile furniture to avoid injuring yourself or your belongings.
A full-body workout doesn’t always require massive floor space.
Take advantage of the walls and doorways by purchasing a removable pull-up bar or attaching a TRX suspension strap to a sturdy door frame with a temporary door anchor. Both fitness accessories are damage-free, but always check with the management office to make sure it’s OK.
Similar to TRX straps, resistance bands are another tool for a full-body workout that are easily stored vertically on walls, in cabinets or even in a small pouch in your closet.
Bulky weights can cause clutter or damage to flooring if dropped. Choose weights that can give you a full-body workout without causing unnecessary harm.
Adjustable kettlebells are a great option for versatility and easy storage. Men's Health reported that kettlebells provide a full-body and core-intensive workout in one single weight.
Buying used fitness equipment such as a stationary bike through online or newspaper ads is another way to create an apartment home gym on a budget.
Finally, embrace your creativity by turning common household items into gym equipment. For example, a sturdy bench can be used for triceps dips and a dining chair can be used for stability while doing a barre style fitness routine.
Some workouts require no equipment at all. Talk to a fitness professional or watch online videos to learn fitness routines that incorporate equipment-free exercises such as squats, push-ups and burpees.
Explore the surrounding neighborhood for parks, hiking trails, running paths or neighborhood pools to get a free outdoor workout. You can invest in yourself while divesting your bank account of unnecessary costs.
Exercise your creativity and explore all the inexpensive and easy ways to work out in your rental unit without sweating the cost.