As a young mom looking for ways to get fit at home without equipment, I searched this several times myself. Fitness is important, but exercise equipment is expensive, and lets be real here… I hate cardio anyway, so a treadmill would be useless to me. Yeah, I know. That’s quite a thing for a personal trainer to say.
But it’s true, what they say… that treadmills are the most expensive clothes hanger you can buy.
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Find a Program that was Created Without Equipment
While there is Pilates equipment that you can spend a pretty penny on, there is an entire stand alone form of pilates that is done on a mat. And if you don’t have a mat, use an area rug, just the carpet, or throw a towel out on the grass, and you’re good to go.
No equipment needed for fitness.
Yes, Yoga is also equipment free. But for many of us Christians, there is just too much creepy history with Yoga to feel right about doing it. And for others, you want a little strength worked in with the stretching.
Mat Pilates was Designed as an Equipment Free Workout
Joe Pilates developed many of his exercises while he was detained on the Isle of Man during WW2. While we don’t know all the details, it is commonly understood that he trained the men he was detained with there. With his training, the men in his block had a way to stay healthy, and keep occupied.
It is also believed that he helped injured soldiers in the medical unit there, to recover and rehabilitate.
Find a Program that Still Challenges the Whole Body
Your body needs to move through the full available range of motion. You need a program that challenges and strengthens your core. If you are hyper-mobile, you probably want to stabilize joints against possible injury, and if you are tight, you want to increase mobility and flexibility.
In addition, (of course), you want to build some muscle for a more toned, fit body.
Find a Program that Challenges You More Than You Challenge Yourself
We all get lazy. I know myself, that when I do my own undirected exercise, I just don’t push myself as hard as I do when my pilates instructor tells me that there are only 3 more reps. Of course, in live classes, you quickly realize that Pilates instructors can’t count. Sorry, not sorry. 😉
Find a Program That You Enjoy
…“in a lifetime doing Pilates, I never met anyone who didn’t enjoy every Pilates session.”
— Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy by John Howard Steel
https://a.co/3NTs87g
No matter what type of exercise you choose, if you don’t enjoy it at least on some level, you won’t stick to it for the long haul. Especially at home. Find something you enjoy.
Find a Program You Can Afford
Another prohibitive issue with exercise is the sheer cost. Gym memberships are expensive. In-studio Pilates and/or Yoga are expensive. High Intensity Interval Training is expensive. Gas is expensive. At-home, equipment free fitness?
Priceless.
Find a System of Accountability and Camaraderie
One thing that makes gyms more effective in general, is classes. Some form of community makes a big difference. Circuit training combined with dietary coaching has made several companies very successful. Everything hard is better with community and accountability. That includes exercise.
Find a System That You Can Do Whenever and Wherever You Are
Flexibility is key, especially for busy women. Stay at home moms are busy, working moms are busy. All of us are busy. Nowadays, there is always something competing for our time, attention, and energy. Look for a form of exercise that you can fit in wherever you are, without taking over too much of your time, floor space, bank account, or other resources.
Why Pilates is a Great Non-Equipment Based Program for Fitness?
Pilates challenges the whole body, with no equipment, except for a mat. Again, if you don’t have a mat, clear a spot on the carpet or a rug. No excuses. You can get more fit at home without exercise equipment.
With Pilates at Home, you can also tap into all of the other great resources. Community, an outside source to challenge you and keep you on track, and it’s enjoyable!
Ready to get moving?
Melanie
