Brandi Voss is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and advocate for holistic well-being who has unlocked the secret to staying fit and active without the need for a traditional gym. In a world where our lives are constantly in motion, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is a non-negotiable priority. However, the constraints of a busy schedule or the absence of a nearby gym can make it seem like a Herculean task. In the following article, Brandi Voss Franklin reveals how to transform any living space into a personal sanctuary of wellness and unleash the full potential of one’s own fitness journey, all from the comfort of home.
Whether it’s the membership costs, the travel time, the crowds, or the cleanliness – there are plenty of reasons why one might avoid heading to the gym for exercise. But it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle – even when gym access is limited.
Brandi Voss Says to Move with Household Chores
Brandi Voss notes that before getting stated with an at-home exercise routine, remember, doing housework can count as exercise too! Standing burns more calories than sitting, as does moving and lifting a vacuum, carrying laundry, and walking up and down stairs (whether you forgot something or not). So if you’re doing a big cleanup, that can count as a light workout! Try moving a little faster or adding extra movements or steps to get your heart rate up.
Walking
Experts recommend simply walking 30 minutes per day to give your health a big boost. Walking helps build muscle power and endurance, burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase overall cardiovascular fitness, in addition to staving off conditions like cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. Can’t devote 30 full minutes for a walk? Well, splitting up the time into a few short ones can make a difference.
Dancing
Brandi Voss says that dancing is a super fun way to tone the body and increase flexibility, so pop on your favorite tunes and get moving! On average, dancing can burn about 150 – 250 calories during a 30-minute session – about the same as jogging. There are many online dance videos out there to get anyone inspired.
Boxing
Brandi Voss Franklin explains that no, you don’t need to hit the gym – or hit an opponent – in order to perform boxing. Cardio boxing or kickboxing can happen in the comfort of one’s own home, either following along with an online tutorial or performing moves on your own. Mimic a gym boxing workout and reap the same benefits: do a rope-less jump rope by jumping in place and moving your arms in circles, then bounce on your feet while throwing some punches to sculpt your arms, legs, shoulders, and core.
Stairs
Brandi Voss notes that gym rats often hit the stair machine to build lower body strength and burn major calories. (Working the big burner muscles of your legs and glutes shaves off those calories fast!) Of course, those machines are really just mimicking the stairs we already have in our home or office. Try to get out of the habit of using an elevator and take the stairs whenever possible, or even do a few laps up and down the stairs at home in your free time. Some health experts think this actually burns more calories than jogging!
Yoga
Yoga is not just about building inner peace and increasing flexibility, although those are both great benefits too! This exercise is a gamechanger for overall health, including increasing circulation, aiding digestion, and boosting your lymph system through stretching, twisting, and folding your body. Plus, after just a few minutes of intense yoga poses, you’ll start to sweat, which means the fat and calories are melting off, and over time your muscles will start to look leaner and more toned. There are plenty of online routines to follow along with, and you don’t need to invest in a yoga mat if you don’t want to – a thick sheet or blanket will do to protect your joints from the impact of the hard floor.
Bodyweight Exercises
Brandi Voss also explains that individuals don’t need to purchase weights and benches and start “lifting” In order to build muscle and tone your body at home. Simple, targeted bodyweight exercises can do the trick, and will also help you burn calories and improve your balance in the process. Start with a dynamic warmup to get the blood flowing, then try out a variety of push-ups, jumping jacks, planks, lunges, and burpees.
Final Thoughts
Brandi Voss Franklin also says that fitness shouldn’t require a gym membership to build muscle, burn fat, and increase flexibility. At-home exercises such as walking, dancing, boxing, stairs, yoga, bodyweight exercises, and even housework are an effective way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
