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cardio workouts at home

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Setting up a Workout Area in Your Home

Cardio workouts at home do not require expensive exercise equipment, only a few fitness accessories. However, if you're serious about losing weight and staying in shape, you do need to be dedicated to a regular exercise program. Does it really matter whether you workout at home or the gym?

Some people don't feel they can benefit from working out at home; that they need the surroundings of a fitness center. True, the gym does offer a variety of exercise options, but what if you have trouble getting to the gym? Your work schedule and family obligations might conflict with the time you need to be in cardio class.

Furthermore, what if you need to save money and don't want the expensive monthly membership fees? Are you going to let your fitness goals go to dust, and reverse the positive benefits of being fit and healthy? Your answer is most likely no. So, wouldn't the next best choice be to set up a cardio workout area in your own home?

I've been working out at home for years, even when I had gym memberships. In fact, at one time I had 3 gym memberships in addition to keeping a backup workout area at home. As you can imagine, it got expensive. However, I wanted to make sure I could make it to the gym no matter what side of town I was on.

Due to a demanding work schedule and traffic, it became too difficult getting to the group classes on time. Plus I got tired of being in the gym doing strength training at 8:00pm, or not doing it all; now, I primarily workout at home. It is convenient and can give you greater control of your time.

Setting Up Your Workout Area at Home

You really don't need expensive equipment such as, treadmills, stationary bikes or elliptical machines, unless those are your preferences. On the other hand, fitness equipment will give you even more workout alternatives. Additionally, you may need to follow the advice of your doctor regarding the types of exercises you can do; which you should follow.

To maximize the benefits of your workouts, you will want fitness accessories for both cardio exercises and strength training such as, the following.


  • Workout DVDs - Interval, dance, kickboxing, core, strength training
  • Free Weights - light, medium and heavy, kettlebells
  • Resistance Bands - standard length and lower body
  • Stability ball
  • Step with risers

To stay motivated, variety is key. Mix up your workouts with several different workout DVDs and rotate them. Some days, do strength training, abs or lower body. Others, do stability ball exercises, the step. There are a number of ways to coordinate your workouts to a maintain fit lifestyle. The important thing is looking forward to your cardio workouts at home, and the results that can come from them.

Workout at Home Options

Good Cardio Workouts


Step Fitness Machines

Low Impact Cardio

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Stamina InStride Pro Electronic Stepper
Stamina InStride Pro Electronic Stepper
Mini-stepper with detachable resistance bands.
Stamina InStride Pro Electronic Stepper

Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper
Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper
Battery-operated electronic monitor, folding stepper w/handlebars.
Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper
Twist action Mini-stepper w/detachable resistance bands.
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper

Stamina InStride Electronic Stepper
Stamina InStride Electronic Stepper
Sturdy and compact stepper w/two sets of resistance bands
Stamina InStride Electronic Stepper

Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar
Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar
Twist action stepper w/adjustable height and handlebars
Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar

Hers MS 93 Stepper with Handle
Hers MS 93 Stepper with Handle
Compact stepper w/two sets of detachable resistance bands.
Hers MS 93 Stepper with Handle

Strength Training

Weights, Dumbells

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Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set
Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set
resistance bands and resistance band sets w/door attachment
Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set

Definity Workout Bars
Definity Workout Bars
weighted cap barbell that is less than 2" thick in diameter and measures 50" long
Definity Workout Bars

Valeo Medicine Ball
Valeo Medicine Bal
Sturdy rubber construction with a textured surface w/exercise wall chart
Valeo Medicine Ball


Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit
Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit
Dance-inspired kettlebell exercise program that swings, slims, and sculpts your entire body
Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit

Valeo 10-Pound Neoprene Hand Weights
Valeo HW10 10-Pound Neoprene Hand Weights
Two weights and an exercise wall chart
Valeo HW10 10-Pound Neoprene Hand Weights

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar
Sturdy steel frame mounts quickly and removes easily without tools or fasteners
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

Fitness DVDs

Total Body Workouts

In the last several years, fitness DVDs have improved greatly. The quality of workouts, instructors, intensity of exercises and techniques are awesome. You can get workout DVDs that are current and popular; requiring little or no equipment. Prices vary, however, for a minimum of $10, you can buy a professionally made workout DVD.....from beginner to advanced.

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Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set
Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set
Seven DVDs with 22 amazing muscle changing workouts
Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set

P90X: Tony Horton's 90-Day Extreme
P90X: Tony Horton's 90-Day Extreme
12 highly diverse and intense DVD workouts, nutrition and fitness guides
P90X: Tony Horton's 90-Day Extreme

Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set
Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set
Seven-disc DVD collection; 30 rhythms, Zumba toning sticks
Zumba Fitness Exhilarate: The Ultimate Experience DVD Set



Bodylastics 24-Piece Mega-Resistance System
Bodylastics 24-Piece Mega-Resistance
Seven DVDs with 22 amazing muscle changing workouts
Bodylastics 24-Piece Mega-Resistance System

HIP HOP ABS DVD Set - 6 Workouts Set
HIP HOP ABS DVD Set - 6 Workouts Set
6 Workout DVD set; targeting abs,cardio, total body
HIP HOP ABS DVD Set - 6 Workouts Set

Turbo Jam Maximum Results Kit
Turbo Jam Maximum Results Kit
6 Turbo Jam Workouts DVDs, Sculpting gloves, nutrition guide
Turbo Jam Maximum Results Kit

Zumba Dance

Zumba Exhilarate

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Zumba Fitness Exhilarate DVD collection is comprised of seven workout DVD discs. These discs give you seven total body, intense workouts; with various levels of difficulty. The workouts are a combination of dance and toning moves.

Today, dance is being incorporated in many fitness programs because it's fun and does not feel like exercising. Additionally, dancing to the music's upbeat sounds is a fun way to burn calories.

Zumba's moves focuses on your core, resulting strong abdominals. The moves are designed to make you sweat and tone, and you can do it at home. Thousands of Zumba classes are held around the country, however, you do not have to attend one to get the benefits of the dance exercises. People are having fun with this collection in their living rooms.

If you prefer to stay at home, the Exhilarate collection will get you up and moving. Let yourself go and unlock your mind to experience the thrill. This collection is full of fluid body moves. The most fun you will ever have getting sweaty! The seven-disc DVD collection features the following seven total-body workouts, with varying levels of intensity:


  • STEP BY STEP: A basic guide to break down the steps

  • ACTIVATE: A 45-minute, easy-to-follow class to get you started

  • RIPPED: Body sculpting featuring Zumba® Toning and Zumba Sentao(tm) programs

  • EXHILARATE: The original full-length fitness-party experience

  • RUSH: A 20-minute workout to amp you up

  • MIX: A rhythmic journey around the world

  • FITNESS CONCERT: Experience the party live

  • 1 pair of 1lb. Zumba® Fitness Toning Sticks

Zumba Exhilarate Ultimate Experience Video

Watch the fun and energy of a Zumba workout.

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Choosing the Right Home Workout for You

Home Fitness DVDs

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Setting up a workout area in your home to do your daily exercises? Choose wisely, because you shouldn't buy items that you won't or can't use; even if they are the most popular at the time. For example, choosing the DVDs should depend on what you expect to get from them. One of the best ways is to ask around and see what others are recommending. In addition:

Consider the following:

  • What do you want to concentrate on? Straight cardio or toning for upper and lower body.

  • Who are the instructors? Many are well known for producing challenging workout DVDs.

  • What is the level of difficulty? Beginner, intermediate or advance.

  • What is the duration of the workout? Cardio workouts should be a minimum of 45 minutes. If it's shorter, make sure there is some interval strength exercises mixed in. 30 minutes of Interval workouts can be effective.

  • Can you do it 4 to 5 times per week?

  • Product reviews. What do others think about the overall DVD workout program?

  • Are there a variety of exercises. One or two repetitive exercises can become boring, quickly.

Fitness DVDs allow you to lose weight, and stay in shape in the privacy of your home. Plus, you get the added benefit of saving money and time.

Your Home Workout Experiences

I've managed to do cardio workouts at home for many years, even when I had gym memberships. I alternate between 40 to 50 workout DVDs, which were accumulated over time. Also, have bands, bars, balls, free weights and steppers. Being able to mix up your workouts is important for staying motivated.

What's your experience? Have you been exercising at home, or want to begin a home exercise program? What are you favorite types of workout DVDs or home equipment? Have you tried Zumba?

  • JamesDSundance Apr 8, 2012 @ 3:15 pm | delete
    I like all the weight loss topics you've covered. Have you thought about adding exercises with kettlebells -unless I missed it (my bad)? If you get a chance check out my lens and let me know what you think
    thanks!
  • snowy12 Mar 1, 2012 @ 9:07 pm | delete
    I'm a person that like to workout at home too. I like cardio dancing as it incorporates dancing steps into our normal exercise routine, which is fun and interesting.
  • marann19 Mar 8, 2012 @ 10:21 am | delete
    Yes. Dance moves does make exercising more fun. Actually, when I first started working out, many years ago, there was no emphasis on making it fun. Now, with such programs as Zumba, many people look forward to exercising.
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Exercising at Home Poll

Home Cardio Workouts

Taking your cardio and strength training workouts from a gym to home is not always easy; it requires discipline and being self-motivated. However, these days, the variety of challenging and fun fitness products for the home, are the best they've ever been. Still, everyone has preferences.

Could you do all your workouts at home or away from a gym? Take our poll.

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marann19

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