Getting in a great workout at home????

72572 · 10-01-2008, 07:27 PM

I normally go to the gym and do my workouts. I recently read an article about MRSA which led me to research it more in depth. Apparently, sports facilities/gyms are one of the the absolute worse places to pick up this nasty little bug. So, for awhile at least, I am going to be waaaay to paranoid to go over there.

I have dumbells, bars, stretch bands, an ab ball, a medicine ball, and an ab lounger (I think that's all). Do you think I can get a great workout with only these and absolutely no machines?

Also, as far as cardio goes...I was thinking of trying the routine that they put my kids through at boxing. This consists of a half a deck of cards rotating squats and push ups nonstop. Also, they do box jumps, very light weights rapidly for endurance, jump rope, jumping jacks, as well as a few other things. Do you think this will be enough for cardio? I usually use the machines at the gym. I can walk too, but cannot stand running.

I hate to jeopardize my fitness, but that stuff has me totally freaked out!!!!

Peachess · 10-03-2008, 12:24 PM

hey,

about the mrsa, dont worry. I work in a retirement home where i come in contact of mrsa everyday. It means your body doesnt resist any more virusses or bugs. Doenst affect normal people, only thing it affects is kids and elderly. but this disease is so small, the wind just blows it away when you walk outside. Only affects people when their in the hospital for weeks. so no worry

imperfectly_lou · 10-03-2008, 12:40 PM

Peachess is correct. I'm a student RN and come into contact with MRSA all the time. We actually did an experiment at uni where we swabbed our noses and we all had it living in there! MRSA only affects people who are immunocompromised such as people recovering from surgery or young children - usually it just delays wound healing.

Seriously, I would never let something like that get in the way of a good workout. Unless you are planning on never leaving your house again - there are much worse bugs out there!

Emoore · 10-03-2008, 01:27 PM

You can definately get a great workout at home with the equpment you have at home. For home training I'm a big fan of www.turbulencetraining.com for programs.

zombieang · 10-03-2008, 04:22 PM

I train at home too more because its less time consuming. But you should have enough equipment to make for a great work out. Maybe pick up a bench if you can afford it.

72572 · 10-03-2008, 10:51 PM

DUH, forgot about the bench. Guess that would be kind of important. I'll definitely pick one up. But holy cow, how to choose which one???

Thanks for the encouragment about mrsa. Man, that is some scary looking stuff. I would sure hate for one of my kids to get it.

Thanks for the link, I'm going to check out that site right now.

heidismommy · 10-04-2008, 05:18 AM

You can definitely get a great workout at home. I've never even been in a gym because it's just so much more convenient to stay home and do my workouts. Sounds like you have some good pieces of equipment which is important it you want to do it right.

When I started I had nothing but a set of dumbells and then I gradually accumulated all the pieces I have now: Five sets of dumbells, 100-lb loaded adjustable barbel set, resistance bands, and a stability ball. No bench because I use either the floor or my stability ball for chess presses/flies/etc. No squat rack so I put the barbel on couch and then get leverage from there. There is no need for big, bulky equipment if you have neither the money nor the room.

And cardio is even easier to fit in with little or no equipment and it sounds like you have a good plan for that. Good luck!

Emoore · 10-04-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72572

DUH, forgot about the bench. Guess that would be kind of important. I'll definitely pick one up. But holy cow, how to choose which one???

Whatever is sturdy, in good shape, and dirt-cheap on Craigslist.

I know people are probably tired of hearing me say it, but I outfitted an entire home gym with squat rack, bench, 200+lb of plates, 5-55lb Powerblocks, and Spinning bike for $350, all from Craigslist.

CharliC · 10-04-2008, 12:39 PM

I workout at home and it's great!

I just started out with DBs, reistance tubes and a bench. Now I have a squat rack and barbell set as well. All together, they only take up the corner of a room and didn't break the bank.

I posted recently in a similar thread with a range of DB exercises you can do for each body part, if this helps with making yourself an at-home program:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post218300501