I'm not going to tell you that you shouldn't go to the gym, only why I do not. Ever since I started lifting on a regular basis, I've always trained at home. I haven't had regular access to top of the line equipment or machines. This forces me to utilize what I do have.
*1 old bench that belonged to my dad
*1 barbell and set of plates
*1 pull up bar
*2 25 lb dumbbells
Do What You've Got To Do
What's more important than the piss poor equipment that I have to work with, is that I use them almost every day. Typically, I'll hit one or two muscle groups a day, 3-5 days a week. I've been doing that for a while now. When I've plateaued in the past, I change it up and do high volume, whole body workouts a few days a week. I highly recommend this to those who have stagnated in their routine.
Potential Pitfall
The point I'm making is that for me, this is the most convenient way to stay consistent. There have been a few occasions where I've had access to a gym, utilized it, and got a great workout. Got to use some equipment I don't usually get to. Despite all the benefits, the potential pitfall may be that someone who relies on a gym membership might not always feel like going. In that case, you should utilize what you have at home to get your workout. It's not going to be any less beneficial as long as you're training hard and smart.
Number One Reason
Consistency is the key to getting and maintaining results. That's the number one reason why you should train at home.
Here are some things you can do around the house if you have even less equipment than I do.
Doing countless pushups might
sound like child's play to some of you, not to me. I get a great upper
body pump from a few sets of 50. One handed pushups however, are more
beneficial and less time consuming. Spread your legs a bit , put one
arm behind your back, and hit as many as you can on one arm, then switch
to the other.
Take 2-4 equally thick books and set them up in front of a wall. Put your palms on top of them and kick up into a hand stand with your feet resting against the wall. Lower yourself and press back up until your elbows are locked, as if you were doing a reversed overhead press. Great for building powerful delts.
If your kitchen has parallel countertops close enough together, Use them for this compound exercise.
Works the front shoulders, chest, and triceps. Add some weight by filling a backpack with books.
*1 old bench that belonged to my dad
*1 barbell and set of plates
*1 pull up bar
*2 25 lb dumbbells
Do What You've Got To Do
What's more important than the piss poor equipment that I have to work with, is that I use them almost every day. Typically, I'll hit one or two muscle groups a day, 3-5 days a week. I've been doing that for a while now. When I've plateaued in the past, I change it up and do high volume, whole body workouts a few days a week. I highly recommend this to those who have stagnated in their routine.
Potential Pitfall
The point I'm making is that for me, this is the most convenient way to stay consistent. There have been a few occasions where I've had access to a gym, utilized it, and got a great workout. Got to use some equipment I don't usually get to. Despite all the benefits, the potential pitfall may be that someone who relies on a gym membership might not always feel like going. In that case, you should utilize what you have at home to get your workout. It's not going to be any less beneficial as long as you're training hard and smart.
Number One Reason
Consistency is the key to getting and maintaining results. That's the number one reason why you should train at home.
Here are some things you can do around the house if you have even less equipment than I do.
One Handed Pushups
Hand Stand Pushups
Take 2-4 equally thick books and set them up in front of a wall. Put your palms on top of them and kick up into a hand stand with your feet resting against the wall. Lower yourself and press back up until your elbows are locked, as if you were doing a reversed overhead press. Great for building powerful delts.
Counter Top Dips
If your kitchen has parallel countertops close enough together, Use them for this compound exercise.
Works the front shoulders, chest, and triceps. Add some weight by filling a backpack with books.
Tree Branch Pull Ups
 |
| Good ol' days on the Tree of Might RIP |
Before I had a pull up bar, I used to work my lats on a tree with a thick branch that I dubbed the Tree of Might (any DBZ fans?). Sadly, it is no longer with us. The tree was my most viable option at the time, but anything strong enough to hold your weight that you can get a grip on will do. Ledges, window sills, etc. Just be sure to test it's stability before you start.
Pistol Squats
Essentially a one legged squat. Hold one leg off the ground. Keeping your weight on your heel, with your knee in line with the direction of your toes, sit into a deep squat then stand back up. Use a wall or a chair to help you keep your balance while getting the feel for this difficult movement. A lot of extra stabilizing muscles in the legs are activated while hitting pistols. It is a feat of agility, as well as strength.
No Place Like Home
So, If you are serious about taking on a fitness lifestyle, consider getting some equipment for the house. If you take care of it you'll be able to reap a lifetime of use. It can save you money, as well as a missed workout or two. Remember, consistency is everything.
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