How many times have you heard someone say, "I can't really follow through with an exercise program because I'm just too busy" or "I got caught up in traffic" or "That gym instructor is just way too fast and too tough for me"? If that sounds like you, then you probably need an exercise program designed to fit your schedule and type of equipment right in your own home.

With so many ways to keep fit and healthy at home, there really is no reason why anyone should not have an exercise program. Your home gym is a convenient, private place to keep fit and it's the perfect supplement to an exercise program you can design specifically for your own unique requirements.

Know your fitness level If you've never had an exercise program before and are unfamiliar with how to go about it despite all that equipment in your home gym, it's best to know first how your body can perform. If necessary, consult your doctor before getting into a regular workout regimen so you will know what kind of exercise program is right for you.

Use a process Getting into an exercise program should be a gradual process. Don't try to shock your body into submission because you're less likely to reap the best rewards of the program if you do. Don't do step exercises if they strain you too much. Oftentimes, a half-hour session with a treadmill is enough to get you started before you begin other exercise programs to increase your resistance and improve your training.

Set a goal Decide what you want to do with your body. Do you want ripped abs and big muscles or you just want to lose weight and increase your strength? If you know what you want out of your home exercise program, you can decide which exercise routine is just perfect.

Set your short-term and long-term goals. If you want to lose weight, the treadmill, ski machine or stationary bike can help you trim a few pounds. If you need some muscle tone, using weights will do the trick. If you want your upper arms and lower body toned, a rowing machine or a stair climber can help you reach your goals.

What sign are you? Each one of us has an exercise personality. Find out what yours is so you can design a home exercise program you'll never get bored of and keep coming back to. If you're the type who can use the treadmill for an hour every day of the week, then do so. If you prefer going through your quiet Pilates motions on the mat, you can do that, too. Just make sure the exercise program you picked is designed to meet your fitness goals and let you have fun as well.

Find time A schedule will make your home gym exercise program more effective. Find the best time in any day when you can perform your exercise routine efficiently. Thirty minutes in the morning before you shower or a half-hour before bedtime, it's your choice.

When you do commit to a set schedule, stick to it. Your home exercise program will only work to your advantage if you perform it regularly. And when you've made your schedule, use one day of the week as your rest day. Your body needs to refuel, too and you can push it to work harder if it has enough strength to perform.

Your home exercise program Regardless of the home exercise program you choose, make sure you have a variety you can perform on different days of the week. The treadmill will probably help you lose weight and tone you down, but if you get into an exercise rut, you better have an alternative.

Here is an example of an exercise program you can do in one week: Monday - do cardios. Step on a bike or a treadmill and perform this for at least 30 minutes. Tuesday - perform lower body toning exercises such as squats, leg curls and calve raises to trim your leg and hip fat and bring out your muscles.

Throw in a couple of exercises to whittle your abs. Wednesday - do cardios again. Thursday - work out your upper body for toning and strength. Do curls, shrugs and pull-ups for your biceps and back muscles. Don't forget your abs. Friday - do cardios. Saturday - concentrate on keeping your shoulders and chest area looking good. Do tricep dips or use a barbell press. And yes, do your abs. Sunday - your rest day.

Getting involved in an exercise program in your home gym takes some discipline and commitment on your part. After all, your body will only look as good as you want it to and the power to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle is really in your hands.

Choose a home exercise program you love and you won't feel like it's a workout at all. For more information now go to: http://www.yourownhomegym.com/Exercise-Gym-Home-Program.html, http://www.myalpha-power.com, or http://www.aperfectharmony.com.

Source: Amazines.com

Author's Bio: 

This definition is part of a series that covers the topic of Fitness & Exercise. The Official Guide to Fitness & Exercise is Amy Lundberg. The founder of Aim For It – Fitness Coaching, Amy Lundberg is an accomplished and in-demand Lifestyle and Motivational Fitness Coach. Amy specializes in guiding clients to set aside the barriers, baggage, and limiting beliefs that are keeping them from reaching their goals. Along with being the co-host of the Fitness Talk Radio Show Living Your Personal Best, she is the author of Self Care Before Sit Ups- A Women’s guide to taking frustration and failure out of fitness.

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