Get Fit Without a Gym

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Great Workouts

Get Fit Without a Gym

Physical activity can prevent the development of high blood pressure

or reduce high blood pressure if it's already a problem. But you

don't have to join an expensive gym or buy costly (and complicated)

exercise equipment.

Create an effective exercise routine at home by using common

household items and your own body weight to challenge your muscles

and build strength. (Be sure to consult your physician before

starting a new exercise

program.) Always start slowly, and increase repetitions and

resistance gradually.

For upper-body exercises, such as bicep curls, substitute canned

food or plastic bottles of water for free weights.

Good old-fashioned push-ups are a great way to develop strength in

your back and shoulders. Try a modified version (knees on the floor)

to start.

All-important core training can be done on the carpet with exercises

that work your abdominal muscles, such as crunches.

Develop lower body strength with squats and lunges. Holding

your " weights " increases the challenge.

Complement your strength training with a combination of outdoor

cardio activities such as walking, jogging or cycling and indoor

cardio activities such as climbing stairs, skipping rope or dancing.

Tip: Inexpensive resistance tools like exercise bands and the Swiss

ball can really pump up your workout–and add variety.