YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

How To Effectively Workout At Home Without Gym Equipment

Apr 2, 2020, 9:36 PM | Updated: Jul 1, 2022, 11:51 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — If you’re a gym rat, finding new ways to exercise at home can be a big adjustment, especially if you don’t have home gym equipment. But KSL’s Aley Davis found it’s possible to have an effective workout at home just using your own body weight.

Exercising at home isn’t my first choice, but with a few tips from Intermountain Healthcare’s Libba Shannonhouse, an exercise physiologist at the LiVe Well Center, I quickly worked up a sweat without being in the gym.

“[They’re] convinced that they’re going to lose everything they’ve gained, but in reality, our bodies sometimes need a change and a break,” Shannonhouse said.

She said the first step to an effective at-home workout is creating the space, even if it means moving your ottoman or coffee table out of the way.

Libba Shannonhouse recommends people turn to online workout resources and apps. News specialist Aley Davis facetimed Libba Shannonhouse, an exercise therapist, for tips on how to workout at home. Libba Shannonhouse tells people it's important to still put on your workout clothes and shoes when you workout at home.

I always prefer to workout at the gym, but I learned I can still have an effective workout at home using my own body weight. If you need some motivation working out at home, Libba Shannonhouse recommends video chatting a friend so you can workout together. Libba Shannonhouse tells people to move ottomans and coffee tables out of the way to give yourself plenty of space.

“Move things around a little bit just to give yourself some room to move,” she said.

Second, dress the part. Even if you aren’t headed outside, put your workout clothes on and lace-up your tennis shoes.

“Once the clothes are on, it’s a little easier to kind of get in that mindset,” Shannonhouse added.

She said that was one of the best tips she’s ever received.

Shannonhouse guided me through a series of exercises including jumping jacks, wall sits, pushups, and triceps dips. She told me to get creative and even use my furniture as a prop.

Let me tell you, I’m still feeling sore. I never thought I could sweat that much in my own living room.

Shannonhouse encouraged people to turn to online exercise resources or apps.

“There’s a lot out there that you can access online to help guide you through routine,” she said.

She personally uses the 7 Minute Workout app frequently, but also recommends turning to LiveStrong, Down Dog, and even Pelaton for their online resources. While she said some of those resources charge a monthly fee, there are also plenty of free resources on YouTube.

She said the key is to find something that gets your heart rate up and something you can enjoy.

“Even if it’s not the level you’re used to, it’s going to maintain everything you’ve gained,” she explained.

Shannonhouse recommends setting a timer if you need more motivation, video chatting a friend while you virtually work out together, or distracting yourself with a guilty pleasure. She said for her, it’s TV shows.

“There’s specific, I hate to say it, Netflix shows that I’m only allowed to watch when I’m on my bike trainer,” she said.

She suggested turning exercise into a game for people who have kids.

“See who can get the most steps in a minute!” she said.

Bottom line — just get started.

“Is just trying to do something that gets you moving, that’s gonna make you feel good,” Shannonhouse said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

...

Emma Benson

National Nutrition Month: How to talk about body image with your kids

March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign designed to promote informed eating choices and positive body image.

6 days ago

Brady Dransfield (right) poses with his father, Scott Dransfield shortly after transplant surgery. ...

Emma Benson

‘Listen to your body’: Transplant survivor shares story for World Kidney Day

A kidney transplant survivor is warning others about kidney disease, including on World Kidney Day.

14 days ago

Mark Seguin in the hospital...

Emma Benson

Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Survivor urges screenings, early detection 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness of the number one cancer killer for men under 50, and number two for women under 50.

21 days ago

Comiske riding her stationary bike, something she does every morning....

Emma Benson

Strategies to lengthen your life

The CDC says, on average, women tend to live 5-7 years longer than men because men have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, but there are simple, healthy ways to increase your life expectancy.

28 days ago

Chris and Aimee Tyler, speaking about their experience with Chris's pancreatic cancer diagnosis....

Emma Benson

‘Cancer can affect anybody’: Utah couple processes pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and often goes undetected until it's advanced. One Utah County man is fighting for more time with his loved ones.

1 month ago

Ruth Norton uses the ArthroFit gym to help senior patients prevent, prepare for and recover from su...

Emma Benson

Intermountain program helps seniors fight joint pain, recover from surgery

Ruth Norton has had her fair share of health challenges, including double-knee surgery, open-heart surgery, and breast cancer. 

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

How To Effectively Workout At Home Without Gym Equipment