At Home Exercises – Ashley Alloway

How to Build a Home Gym for a $100 or Less

With all the gyms closing to help stop the spread of COVID-19, people are now forced to try and workout at home. It’s important to practice social distancing but also being able to keep up with a workout routine. One way to do this is by creating a home gym and could end up saving you money in the long run. So, here are some ideas for creating a home gym for $100 or less.

Resistance Bands- Price $10+

Resistance bands are an easy way to ramp up any classic exercise and are very inexpensive. You can really use these bands in any bodyweight exercise like leg lifts and clamshells. Even though most stores are closed you can find these online and they come in many different tensile strengths, so you are able to customize them to get the most out of your workouts. As a runner, I’m always looking for ways to strengthen my hips and doing exercises like leg lifts with bands can really help that.

Balance Ball- Price $10-$35

Balance balls I think are perfect for core work. A common exercise that I like to spice up with a balance ball is planks. There are so many full-body workouts you can find online that are just with balance balls. A plus side to balance balls are that they are pretty cheap and come in a variety of sizes and brands. Another thing a balance ball is good for would be with working from home now you have a fun and comfortable multipurpose office chair!

Dumbbells- Depends on the Weight about $20 Apiece

Dumbbells are very versatile and is a piece of equipment that you can count on lasting a long time. Even though they can be expensive you will definitely get your moneys worth. Some popular exercises with dumbbells would be bicep curls, shoulder press, overhead triceps extension, deadlifts, and many more. You can find dumbbells pretty much anywhere and can even buy them used.

Staying fit during this time can be hard but doesn’t have to be complicated. There are so many online sources available to you. More than every it’s important to stay fit and healthy and have a strong immune system in facing this pandemic. Just working out for 30 minutes a day can be beneficial. People should do everything they can to stay healthy and stay safe especially when it doesn’t have to cost much at all. Hopefully these ideas can help motivate you to get active during this difficult time.

4 of the Best Exercises to Try at Home

Finding time in the day to fit in a workout can be challenging. This can be more difficult especially in college when your schedule is not always consistent. A simple workout at home can be the only option. I’m here to share the 4 best exercises that you can do right in the comfort of your home.

Squats

Squats are an easy exercise to do at home but are often performed in poor form. In order to do them correct follow these tips. It’s important to start with your feet hip distance apart. Next ensure that your knees and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Do not let your knees go over your toes. Now that the form is down, try to do three sets of ten reps.

Lunges

Lunges are another easy exercise to do at home that can be a stretch and an exercise. Pick a forward leg first and then keep the back leg a hip distance width apart in a split stance while keeping the back heel up. Bend your knees and making sure the back leg is bent at 90-degrees but ensure the front knee doesn’t go past your toes. Rise up and continue this process for three sets of ten reps.

Pushups

Pushups can be a difficult exercise for some people but once you practice and get the form down it becomes an easy and very beneficial exercise. First, start in a basic plank position with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders. Most people incorrectly do a pushup because their hands are too far apart. Slowly begin to bend your elbows bringing your chest towards the ground. Push back up and straighten your arms while returning to the starting position. Some things to remember that will help you get the most out of this exercise is keeping your back straight and having your head and neck aligned with your back. Do this exercise for three sets of ten reps.

Rotation

Rotation is something that is taken for granted and should be valued more and are a simple at home exercise. Every sport and motion require some sort of rotation. Start by standing up nice and tall while holding a medicine ball or something heavy with your arms out straight in front of you. Now begin to rotate the ball from side to side while maintaining good posture. Do this exercise for three sets of ten reps on each side.

These exercises are great for doing something quick at home if you don’t have enough time to get a workout in. They are the basis of a good exercise program and will help keep you fit and healthy!