On A Budget? Get In Shape With Little Or No Equipment

I don’t have the time.

It’s the go-to excuse for avoiding exercise everywhere. That, or, I can’t afford it.

These are the two most common barriers to getting fit. Time and money. You can’t afford to dedicate hour after hour to a workout. There’s no room for expensive exercise equipment in the budget. But, neglecting your health is not an option. At least it shouldn’t be.

Are those things stopping you? Holding you back from getting healthy?

You’re in luck. You don’t need a pricey personal trainer or high-end equipment to exercise. Heck, you don’t even need a gym. All you really need is your body. Add a few pieces of simple equipment to the mix and you’ll be ready to workout anywhere, anytime.

Speaking of time, you won’t need much of that either. You can forget about devoting hours to exercise. Minimalist workouts are designed to get more done in less time. Keep reading to find out how.

Minimal equipment, maximum results

1. You’re all you need!

That’s right, YOU! Completing body weight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, squats and lunges are surefire ways to tighten and tone every muscle from head-to-toe. Yoga fits the minimalist template too. You’ve also got cardio covered. Lace up a pair of sneakers, any old kind will do, and set out on a walk, jog, hike or run.

2. Up the intensity.

More isn't always better. Just because a workout takes an hour doesn’t mean it’s effective. Stop thinking about the duration of your workout. Start thinking about the intensity. As in, how hard you're working. Pack as much movement into a workout as possible by using intervals, supersets, and circuit training. Go hard, rest a little bit, repeat.

3. Choose wisely.

If body weight exercises no longer cut it or you’re looking for a new challenge, be picky about the exercise equipment you purchase. Skip the machines. Stick with what works: a set of dumbbells, a kettlebell, a jump rope, and a TRX suspension trainer make total body workouts possible at home, outside or on the go.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

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