Do you go to the gym on a daily basis? You could find that having your own one at home is better. There are many benefits to creating a home gym, and you don’t need a lot of specialised equipment. In fact, you don’t need a lot of equipment at all if you focus on bodyweight exercises. Here are six reasons you should create your home gym today.
Pay Less Money
You’re paying a monthly fee to attend a gym at the moment. That may not seem too bad if you attend it every day, and there are a lot of extras included.
However, if you’re only going once or twice a week or really hate being there, you’re wasting your money. When you put the money into your home gym, it’s an investment. And you get to pay less anyway.
Have the Equipment You Use
You only need to invest into the equipment you use. Find the treadmills boring? There’s no need to get one for your home gym. Most home gyms have a few free weights and that’s all.
There are exercise machines, but you definitely don’t need to bother with them. Most exercises can be done without any special equipment, except maybe a stability ball.
Exercise Without Feeling Self-Conscious
Many women hate the gym because they hate the way people look at them. They feel self-conscious, knowing that they either need to lose the weight or tone up their muscles.
When you’re in your home gym there is nobody there to watch you. There’s no need to feel like people are judging you for using certain machines or worry about people talking about the way you look in your gym clothes.
Exercise When You Want
Like to exercise at 4am when you have to get up before work? That’s not a problem with a home gym.
Your home gym is always open to you. While there are some 24 hour gyms, not all are available and even some of them will close at weekends or for public holidays. Why should someone tell you when you can exercise?
Can Still Hire a Personal Trainer
Many worry that they can’t hire a personal trainer if they train at home. That’s definitely not the case. There are plenty of individual personal trainers around, and they will work with the equipment that you currently have at home.
Some may suggest you invest in a few other options, but they will not push you to go past your budget.
Have Your Music Turned Up
Gyms play music that the majority of people want to listen to. That’s a pain if you hate the mainstream hip hop or pop. You like rock and roll, and that’s what you want to listen to.
When you’re in your home gym, you can listen to whatever you want and at a volume that you want to. Of course, you will have to think about your neighbours before you turn the music up loud during the night.
Do you find your exercises boring? There are a number of reasons for this. You could be doing something you hate, but you could also not give your brain the distraction or entertainment that it needs. If your exercises remain boring, you’re likely to avoid doing them. But you don’t want that to happen. Here are some tips to stop your exercises getting boring.
Change It Up
Do something different! If you get into the exact same routine, you will start to find it monotonous and unchallenging. It is time to add a new exercise in, or do something a little different for the day.
You could even do your routine backwards to add something different. You may find you have a new appreciation for an exercise that you never did before.
Listen to Music
Put the tracks on while you’re exercising. If you do them at home, play your music loud in the room to get you going.
If you’re at the gym or outside, take your iPod and plug the earphones in. You can even get waterproof systems so you can listen to music while you swim! Listening to music not only distracts your brain by giving you something else to think about, the faster music tricks your body into working harder.
Do Something You Love
Stick to exercises that you love to do. There’s no need to go running if you absolutely hate it. If you prefer interval training over long distance runs, then do that!
By doing something you love, you are more likely to stick to it in the future. You’ll find it entertaining and want to do more. You could even look forward to doing it!
Set Goals to Work Towards
Give yourself something to work towards. When you have the goals, you’re less likely to feel bored.
You know what you need to do and will constantly try to compete against yourself to reach those goals. This doesn’t have to be something like a marathon. You can set personal goals, like swimming 30 lengths within a set amount of time (faster than the last time) or running a 5K in less time than before.
Train With Someone Else
Find someone else to train with. This could be a friend, a partner or even a personal trainer. By getting someone else, you will have someone to talk to (if you can talk!) and be able to discuss your routine afterwards.
Personal trainers are great for giving you that extra push, and will help you change up the exercises when you get bored of them.
Make It a Game
Sometimes the exercises need to be turned into a game. You could create an obstacle course in your back garden, or maybe create a game where you do certain exercises whenever you enter certain rooms.
When you go to the bathroom, you may need to do 10 press ups resting on the sink. When you’re in the living room, you may need to do 20 crunches.
Give Yourself a Manicure
You know your nails need some caring for, but when do you ever have the time or money to see someone? The truth is you don’t need to see someone, and that couple of hours spare time could be perfect for you.
Get out your manicure kit and give yourself a mini manicure or pedicure. You don’t need to do anything too adventurous! Just clipping and shaping your nails is often a great way to use up your time.
Look for a New Job
Are you happy in your current workplace? Is a better paying job on your list? That five minutes could just be longer enough to do some searching for the perfect new job role.
You don’t need to apply in that time. Make a note of the job that you have found, so you can easily find it again when you have the time to apply. If you have more time to spare, put in an application. What have you got to lose?
Find New Music
While you have the time, why not update your music collection? This has become so much easier now with the world of digital music.
You can get online and find out whether your favourite bands have new tracks to buy. This is also a great chance to expand your listening material and find out about new or older bands and artists you’ve never heard of.
Read That Book
Why not shorten your “to read” list?
Five minutes is often enough to get through a couple of pages, but if you have a few hours to use up then you could get through almost a whole book (depending on your reading speed). Watching the TV just isn’t as entertaining as reading a book, where you can really use your imagination for the scenes playing out.
Write Your Book
Some people have their own ideas for a novel, so why not start the writing of them. Five minutes is often enough to get a short description of one character down, just imaging what you could gain from an hour or two.
Make sure you have a notebook with you everywhere you go so you can update your storyline whenever you have the time.
Catch Up With Friends
If you’ve got nothing to do, there are chances that your friends don’t either. Why not spend some time catching up with them?
If they’re miles away, organise a Skyping session so you can see them face to face. Those who are close enough could meet you for coffee, or even call around to your house for a light lunch.
]]>Give the Temperature Time
If the water is too hot, give it time to cool down. Don’t put cold water in it just yet, because you run the risk of it going too cold. Get it to a point that is comfortable for you. You don’t want to see red legs and arms after you get out. This is a sign that it is too hot and it will raise your body temperature. Warm water will relax the muscles and soften the skin.
Focus on Scents
Get the perfect scent for your needs. You want something that you enjoy the smell of, while thinking about aromatherapy. Lavender oils are perfect for relaxation, or you could opt for rosemary or sandalwood.
You can buy bubble baths with these scents in or opt for oil burners and candles. It is completely up to you. If you have a scented bubble bath, avoid overpowering it with other scents.
Tell Everyone the Bathroom Is Off Limits
Make it clear that the bathroom is completely off limits while you’re in there. You don’t want to hear anyone, you don’t want them asking for things and you definitely don’t want conversations through the door.
This is time just for you and a chance to put real-life to one side for the time being.
Turn Off the Phone and Emails
Make sure your emails are switched off. Your phone could also do with being turned off so you don’t get any phone calls or text messages. The only time you may want the phone is if you use it to listen to music.
Listen to Music
Have some music in the room if you find that relaxing. If your bathroom is too small to have electronics in there, put it outside of the room or find somewhere to place your phone to listen to it from there.
Pick your favourite relaxing tracks and let everything leave your body and mind.
Have a Good Book
Take your favourite book into the bathroom if you like to escape into the bath. Having nothing to do can be stressful for some, as they start to overthink things.
Having the book will mean that you can really take your mind off situations happening in your life.
Picture the Water Helping
Lay back and let the water work on your muscles. You could invest in a pillow to keep your neck relaxed and get a flannel to place over your eyes to block out the light. Really picture the water helping your muscles relax and that will help your mind unwind.
You’ll forget the time and will soon find that the water is too cold to lay in.
]]>Play Board Games With the Family
You’re all in the house together, so use it to your advantage. Have some fun family time with board games. You likely have some of your old favourites that you’ve forgotten about around the house, and some that you’ve never even gotten out of the box yet. If you don’t have any in the house, use the internet to find one or create your own family board game.
Make Some Crafts
Create creative with the craft box. There are a lot of great ideas on the internet, but you could just think about some of the items that you can make and have fun.
You’ll be surprised by the amount of things in your home that can be used for this. Some of the things include plastic cutlery and coloured straws. Use Pinterest if you’re really stuck for ideas.
Watch Your Favourite Movies
Got a movie that you love to watch? Why not put it on while you’re stuck in the house? Maybe you have movies that you haven’t watched yet and have been waiting for a chance to catch them. If you still have an internet connection, you could even stream some movies.
There are plenty of places to watch them for a small amount of money. Grab the duvets, make some hot chocolate and snuggle up with each other on the couch.
Recreate Your Old Photos
Do you have some funny photos in the collection? They could be of your grown up children when they were babies, or even ones that you’ve done that are quite embarrassing
. This is a great chance to recreate them and have a laugh as you’ve all gotten older. Some of them can be tricky if they were out, so choose the ones that were taken in the home. They’ll be great to share with family the next time they’re over.
Try Baking Something New
Get the baking items out and try something new. This can be tricky if you don’t have much in the house, but chances are you have something for at least making cookies or muffins.
Be adventurous and try out odd concoctions. You never know how they’re going to turn out.
Turn the Music Up
Go on and turn that music up—not too loud to annoy your neighbours, of course! Once it’s turned up, get up and dance around. You can have a lot of fun doing this.
Get everyone together and have a dancing competition or put on a show for each other. You’ll be surprised at the moves that you can all do and the fun you’ll have at the same time.
]]>Are His Electronics Checked?
You will need to make sure all his electronics pass the required checks. This is a must for most venues to avoid electric blackouts or fires. The venue may also asked for licensing and other paperwork. Make sure any DJ you consider has this before you go any further. The last thing you want is to be stuck on this major and legal issue.
The Experience
Find out how experienced the DJs are. Have they done weddings in the past? Or do they usually deal with children’s parties? There is a major difference in the two different types of events.
You want someone professional, who will have a large repertoire of songs and can even get your wedding guests up dancing if there is a lack of people on the dance floor.
Talk to Them in Person
You want to be able to get along with your DJ. This is someone who will handle the timing of your speeches and could help set up any games that you have planned.
You need to make sure your personalities match and the DJ wants you to have a day that is just your style. A phone call or email chat is great, but talking to them in person is highly advised.
Ask to See Videos
Some DJs will have videos of their skills on YouTube or on their website. This will give you a great idea of how they work when they’re at the event, and just how interested they are in their work. You want someone who moves with the music, has fun during the night and isn’t just in it for the money.
The Range of Songs
While it was briefly covered in experience, you do need to find someone with a good range of songs. You may love the 80s classic rock anthems but not all your guests will.
Some want to get up on the dance floor to the party tracks, while others will ask for something slow. It is worth making a list of all the types of songs your guests will likely ask for and make sure the DJs have a good amount of them.
The Type of Equipment
Another consideration is the equipment used. You don’t want to pay a fortune to find out the DJ brings a few speakers and a CD player. You want someone with the technical equipment to make your night one to remember.
This includes a range of high quality speakers, lights, sound boards and microphones. You will need to share the venue to make sure it is suitable for that place. Lots of speakers are great for outdoor events, but not for small venues.
]]>Cigarette Lighters
You cannot take lighters onboard the plane in your hand luggage. There are many dangers to having something like this, and some people will have ulterior motives with them. However, it is worth pointing out that you can have one lighter on you (just not in your hand luggage). You can take cigarettes too, so you can have those cigarettes before and after your flight—just not on the plane.
No Fire Arms or Hunting Knives
There are many legitimate reasons to carry hunting knives or fire arms. You may be visiting somewhere purposely for hunting, or you may have bought them and be taking them legally through customs. However, you cannot have them onboard the actual plane. They must be checked in with all the relevant paperwork. There are just a few people who get firearms—air marshals and other similar personnel.
Liquids of More Than 100mls
Since 9/11 and other terrorist attempts, there has been a strict ban on liquids of over 100mls. There are even some companies that don’t allow baby bottles already made up—you have to ask for the water on the plane and take the powder. If you have anything that is over 100mls, which includes most bottles of water, you need to remove them before going through security. However, you can buy bottles of water on the other side and take them onboard.
Medicines of More Than 100mls
You know that liquids aren’t allowed, but did you know some medicines aren’t allowed in your hand luggage. In most cases, the medicine can be checked in instead. However, if you need the medicine on the flight, especially on longer ones, you will need to check with the airline before you book. You may require a doctor’s note or other permission to take them on in your hand luggage.
Sporting and Music Equipment
Want to take your guitar on the flight? You won’t be able to. It needs to go into the compartment. The same applies to sporting equipment. The issue is that they are too bulky and will take up more than your allotted hand luggage allowance.
Trade Tools
You’re going away on business and need to take some tools with you. They can’t be taken on the flight with you and must be checked-in. They could be used as deadly weapons.
Nail Files and Scissors
Taking a nail file on the plane with you? You’ll need to check these beauty items in with the rest of your luggage. If you really want to tend to your nails on the flight, take a wooden emery board instead.
]]>Slip-On Slippers
You will need to walk around the hospital during your stay, so you need something on your feet. The best things to choose are slippers. They are comfortable, keep your feet warm and take less time to put on. Choose the slip-on ones. During pregnancy your feet swell, so getting those Ugg boot style ones on will be a pain.
Snacks and Boiled Sweets
You could be in the hospital for a long time. During labour, you won’t be allowed to eat much food—you may not even want to—but you need to keep your energy levels up. Have some of your favourite healthy snacks for eating between contractions. Boiled sweets are also great. They give you the sugar rush your body needs and are something to suck on to really savour, especially in the later stages.
Change of Clothes for You and Baby
Some women are in and out of hospital overnight. Others will need to be in for a few days. Pack for the few days scenario; you never know what will happen. Make sure you have a change of clothes and comfortable underwear. Long PJs that sit above your waist are recommended, but you may also find that long night gowns are worth an investment. Also, don’t forget a change of clothes, or two or three, for your little one.
Something to Read
Do you have a favourite book? It’s worth taking it with you because labour can be long. If you don’t have a book, take some magazines or puzzle books with you. There may be a TV in your room and you may have someone to talk to, but that doesn’t always happen and you don’t want to get too bored. There’s only so much talking you can do anyway!
Your Favourite Music
This is another great way to ease the boredom, but it could also ease the contraction pains. Put your favourite music on your phone or MP3 player and make sure it is fully charged — not all hospitals will allow you to charge your electrical devices there. Don’t forget your headphones though! The whole hospital doesn’t want to hear your music.
Instant Formula Cartons
If you’re choosing to bottle-feed your baby, make sure you have some cartons of formula milk. You don’t want to try and deal with boiling water and powder while you’re in the hospital. Even if you are breastfeeding, it may be worth taking a couple of cartons. It can take a while for the body to produce the milk your baby needs, and the last thing you want is for her to go hungry.
]]>Make Your Own Card
You don’t have to go out there and buy a card especially for the day. Think about it; how often are they just thrown into the bin afterwards. Instead of buying into the Hallmark tradition, make your own card for your loved one.
If you have children, they can help you with this to make it a family friendly day instead. All you need is some card, pens and a bit of imagination. There are lots of ideas online.
Make a Home Cooked Meal
Going out on this day of the year is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive and sometimes worse than Christmas! Instead of spending money you don’t have, get something special from the grocery store and make a home cooked meal.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; do something that you both will really enjoy. If you want a special treat, you can make your own chocolate shaped hearts by melting cheap chocolate into heart moulds!
Celebrate on a Different Day
Who said you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the day? You’ll find that everything is more expensive on February 14 just because of the name of the day.
Switch it to February 13 or the 15 and you will soon find that flowers, chocolates and meals out are much more budget friendly.
Look Out for Free Events and Activities
There is always something free happening in the area. You just have to look out for them. Some of the events will be held by the churches in the area, but you could also find free tourist spots where you can enjoy your day.
All you need to think about is funding for travel and your meals while you’re out.
Create a Box of Memories
Put together all of the things that you love about your partner into a shoe box and you have your own memory box. You could even add all the things that you’ve done together in the past if you still have them.
Pull it all together and then give it to your partner. Spend some time thinking about the days that the memories came from and why they’re so important to you.
Make Your Own Playlist
Put together a list of songs that you both love listening to together. They could also be ones that hold special memories for the two of you, like the first time you met or the song from your first dance.
Place them on a playlist or burn them onto a CD and listen to them during the day.
]]>Go Back to Being a Kid
Remember what it was like to be a child? It was possible to be carefree and have fun all the time. For just five minutes or so, go back to being a kid again.
Go back to having fun and dance around the house like you don’t care. You could also get outside and play in the mud like you did as a child. Pick something you really loved to do and de-stress with it.
Dance Around the House
Put a song on full blast and just have fun with it. Dancing around the house releases energy and adrenaline, while letting you get some exercise.
The happy hormones are released in your brain and you will feel your muscles relax and your mind set at an ease. You could even create your own de-stress playlist on your iPod to get your feet moving.
Give Yourself a Facial
You won’t believe how much stress you hold in your face. Take the time to give yourself a facial. Start by using a facemask with soothing properties. There are all sorts available from the stores, or you can make your own natural one out of vegetables.
Afterwards, use some moisturising cream and massage into the muscles, especially the jawline. As you feel your face relax, the rest of your body will.
Use Some Tennis Balls
Places a couple of tennis balls or something similar in your hand and roll them across your shoulders and back. This is where most of the tension is kept, so this type of massage will be a great soother; and it’s possible for you to do on your own.
If you can afford to, book a relaxing massage on a monthly basis or so to really take advantage of the relaxing effects.
Add Scents You Enjoy
The sense of smell is extremely powerful, and can really help you relax. Fill your room with smells that you love, whether it is the scent of fresh bread or flowers.
There are plenty of essential oils with relaxing properties that you can add to steaming water, make into shower gels or just have burning in a small scent burner.
Have a Relaxing Bath
Run yourself a bath. You may not think of yourself as a bath person, but the warm water is extremely soothing. Mix it with some scents you enjoy and a book that you love, and you get a good 20 minutes or so to yourself.
Make sure the phone is turned off and it is just about you. After that bath, you will be ready to tackle the world.
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