Getting in Shape Without the Gym

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Posted by Renatta

After six consecutive years of gym memberships (sometimes multiple memberships at the same time), I recently quit the gym. It was not the tedious exercise routines, pretentious gym culture, or exorbitant fees that finally turned me off for good (although they helped). It was simply time. The health and financial benefits of a fitness club membership are only worthwhile if you go often. I enjoy working out first thing in the morning– and I do not like to shower in public spaces– so, for me, going to work out at a gym required a 3-hour investment in the mornings (40 minutes to commute to and from the gym, 60 minutes to get a good workout, and then another 60+ minutes to eat breakfast, get dressed and head off to school or work). Like many busy women that are juggling school, work, family life, community service, etc. all at the same time, I do not have the time to put in 3+ workouts at a gym on a consistent basis, so I quit.

Quitting the gym does not mean that I gave up on fitness– quite the opposite, in fact. When I made the decision to forgo my gym membership renewal, I invested $100 in home fitness DVDs (purchased cheaply online at Amazon.ca and at various Winners stores). I also rounded up all of the fitness equipment that my partner (who successfully quit the gym 3 years ago) has in the apartment. From there, I sat down and created a 4-week workout plan that is both realistic in terms of my schedule and will help me reach my fitness goal to lose 10 pounds and tone up for an August vacation. I am on Day 14 of my program and I feel great. So far, I have lost 2 pounds and 3 inches. Most of my workouts are less than 50 minutes, leaving me with plenty of time in the mornings to exercise, eat and relax before I head out the door; and my workouts are fun and varied, so I am never bored. Most importantly, my workouts are consistent and not restricted by a gym’s hours of operation.

Working out at home is not for everyone: it  requires self-motivation, discipline, and some basic equipment. However, if like me, you want to get regular exercise, but simply don’t have time to go to a gym, you should give it a try. I recommend starting with workout DVDs (there are great workouts for every fitness level). My personal favourites are the Jillian Michaels circuit training DVDs. They are relatively inexpensive ($10-$15), short and intense workouts that progress over a period of time and require very little equipment. I also like to mix things up with yoga, Pilates and a few individual workouts from the P90X series (purchased by my partner). Those who enjoy the outdoors can throw in an occasional jog, hike or swim into the mix, or even take a weekly class (I go to a boot camp class on Sundays).

If you choose to work out at home, it is important to create a realistic plan (It is not necessary to work out as often as I do or to purchase as many DVDs − in fact, those that are new to exercise should start very slow), write it down and stick to it. There is nothing like crossing a particular workout off your calendar to boost your confidence and keep you motivated!

My 4 Week Workout Schedule

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Day 1 Preserve Your Sexy Bootcamp Class (60 minutes)	Day 2 Rest	Day 3 Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Level 1 (30 minutes)	Day 4 Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Your Metabolism (50 minutes)	Day 5 Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1 (30 minutes)	Day 6 Wai Lana Beginner Yoga (50 minutes)	Day 7 Giam Cardio Pilates (50 minutes)
Day 8 Preserve Your Sexy Bootcamp Class (60 minutes)	Day 9 Rest	Day 10 Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Level 2 (30 minutes)	Day 11 P90X Kenpo X (60 minutes)	Day 12 Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 2 (30 minutes)	Day 13 Wai Lana Relaxation Yoga (50 minutes)	Day 14 Giam Pilates Conditioning (60 minutes)
Day 15 Preserve Your Sexy Bootcamp Class (60 minutes)	Day 16 Rest	Day 17 Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Level 3 (30 minutes)	Day 18 Karen Voight Step Circuit (60 minutes)	Day 19 P90X Plyometrics (60 minutes)	Day 20 Wai Lana Toning Yoga (50 minutes)	Day 21 Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones (50 minutes)
Day 22 Preserve Your Sexy Bootcamp Class (60 minutes)	Day 23 Rest	Day 24 Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 Level 4 (30 minutes)	Day 25 P90X Cardio X (45 minutes)	Day 26 Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 3 (30 minutes)	Day 27 Wai Lana Beginner Yoga (50 minutes)	Day 28 Giam Cardio Pilates (65 minutes)

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