Who says you need a gym membership to get and stay in shape? You can reap many of the same fat-burning, body-toning benefits by working out in your own home, especially if you have some inexpensive exercise equipment at the ready. Here’s some gear ideas for enhancing an at-home workout. You can find this equipment at sporting goods stores or online. Yoga Mats – A yoga mat is handy for floor-based exercises because it provides support for your body and offers better traction than a towel. Learn some basic moves from a yoga or Pilates DVD, then (weather permitting) take your mat outside for a workout on your deck or…

It’s a new year and you have made the resolution to start exercising, but are you finding it difficult to make time for exercise? If so, no more excuses. Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s a great way to maintain your weight over the long haul. Here are some simple ideas to help you squeeze in a workout. Remember, every little bit of activity can help you burn more calories, maintain fitness, and boost your health! Interval walking. Lace up those walking shoes and take a brisk 20-minute walk around your neighborhood (alternating periods of fast walking with slow). Or if you’re hitting the mall, park…

If you’re following a healthy lifestyle, you know that regular exercise will help rev up your metabolism so you lose weight faster and avoid weight loss plateaus. But does the time of day you choose to exercise make a difference in how much fat you burn? The answer is not as black and white as you might think. Current research suggests that slightly more fat is burned when you exercise right after waking up in the morning. However, most people can work out at a higher intensity later in the afternoon when their body temperature and hormone levels peak and their muscles are more flexible. The kind of exercise you…

Walking is my choice for exercise. Walking is fuss-free, there’s no cost, and it’s easy to schedule and if you do it regularly, it reduces the risk of heart disease and can help you burn fat and lose weight. Uphill walks work your calf muscles, hamstrings and buttocks. Downhill walks are great for your thighs, and walking on level ground works your abdominal muscles and lower back. Where to Walk Walk anywhere you like, whether it’s indoors on a treadmill or outside at the park, by the sea or around your local neighborhood. Experiment with different routes that will challenge you with hills and varying terrains. Park your car farther…