I live in an area where the weather often forces me inside for my workouts.
The winter cold typically lasts for six to eight months, with temperatures below freezing and sometimes down to negative twenty-five degrees.
The snow piles up in feet in a matter of hours. Spring and fall are usually chilly, windy and wet with lots of rain and mud. The summer season is short yet excruciatingly hot and humid. Whenever possible, I try to get outside to run or ride my bicycle for a workout. I like to unroll a yoga mat on my deck and get some fresh air while I go through mountain climbers, burpees, lunges and squats. Unfortunately, the weather rarely cooperates. I’ve needed to figure out ways to burn calories and target strength, stamina and flexibility indoors. Unfortunately, I don’t have a ton of open space in the house and workout equipment is expensive. Because of the location of my house, joining a gym is pretty much impossible. I don’t have time to drive 30 minutes each way. I’ve gradually invested in workout gear for a home gym. I started by buying the less expensive equipment, such as a jump rope, yoga mat, dumbbells and a weighted ball. I finally worked my way up to a treadmill. The treadmill takes up a lot of space and is somewhat of an eyesore but worth it. No matter the weather outside or time of day, I can run, get my heart pumping and work up a sweat. However, running is hard on my knees, ankles and feet. I’m now saving up to purchase a stationary bike. I have no idea where I’m going to put it.