2014 brings us into a new year and we all know what that means, New Year’s resolutions have begun! A popular trend in the New Year is to focus more on working out and getting in shape. The hardest part about maintaining this resolution is fitting going to the gym into our already busy everyday lives. But you shouldn’t feel pressured to splurge on a gym membership after the holidays. Rather, why not get in shape in the comfort of your own home! Stephanie Joanne introduces us to a variety of different ways to get in shape at home without breaking the bank.

First let’s start with under $100:

You can get all the necessities you need in order to start your own home gym for just under $100. Let’s take a look at a couple of the accessories Stephanie introduces us to in the featured video below.

–Yoga mat

-Dumbbells

-Skipping ropes

-Boxing gloves

-Boxing equipment

-Workout bands

All of these accessories are portable, easy to use, and don’t take up a lot of room. Combine them with workout videos you have at home or find a video you like on the Internet and get to work! Have fun with it.

Now we’ll move onto the middle price point $100+:

As Stephanie demonstrates in the featured video below, you can buy the new Core Strength 1 unit. The Core Strength 1 unit features three steps that lead up to a platform. The three steps allow for three separate intensity levels of your choice while you perform your workout.

Here are a few exercises to get you started on the Core Strength 1 unit:

Cardio:

• Leg ups. (Step up on the step with one foot, hold for a couple seconds and place your foot back 0n the ground. (Use whichever intensity level works best for you).
• Running forward up and backwards back down the steps. Though there are only three steps, this will get your heart rating pumping and give your body all the cardio it needs!
• Jumping on and off the steps. (Start with two feet, see how it feels. If you are comfortable switch to one foot. Again, perform this cardio exercise with whichever intensity level works best for you).

Strength:

• Using the step which feels most comfortable you can perform bicep dips.
• Push-ups are a great strength exercise. (Place your feet on a step, at the intensity level you choose. Higher step for higher intensity).
• If desired, you can attach up to eight workout bands to perform additional strength exercises.

Flexibility:

• You can stretch out using the Core Strength 1 unit by using the platform or using the steps to perform different stretches.

Moving on to a more expensive budget, over $1000:

Many of you have probably thought about buying or have bought an expensive piece of workout equipment and somehow it has turned into a clothes hanger. We want to make sure this does not happen to you! Do your research before deciding on the machine you are going to buy. Nowadays, the console on the equipment can even act as a personal trainer!

Here are a couple tips:

Elliptical:

• As Stephanie shows us, the console on the Octane elliptical featured in the video, actually tells you when to focus specifically on your glutes and when to focus on using your arms as well.
• Another great feature about this elliptical is that it comes with workout bands to attach to it. In case you are unfamiliar with how to use workout bands and which exercises to perform, do not worry. The console has instructions for the workout bands as well.
•  Lastly, every elliptical has different cardio programs to choose from. So try out the different cardio programs your machine has to offer and find the one that works best for you! (Or continue to switch them up to keep your workout new!)
• Ellipticals are generally believed to be easier on the knees and joints.

Treadmill:

Treadmills are generally viewed as all the same. They have a belt that moves and then we choose our preferred intensity level and speed. It will pay off to do your research before buying a treadmill as they are now coming out with upgraded features.

• The True treadmill featured in our video has an orthopedic belt that allows you to adjust the firmness. This helps as it is easier on your joints.
•  Always make sure you are aware of your surroundings before buying a treadmill, such as the ceiling height and how large the room is.

For more information on these easy ways to get fit at home, check out the video below!