One of the hardest things about trying to work out on your own is finding stuff to do.
Seriously.
We have been going to the gym on a regular basis for over 4 years. We have done so many different types of workouts. We have done all over workouts, upper body workouts, leg days, specific muscle groups like triceps – biceps, worked muscles that we didn’t even know that needed working and then the usual suspects, cardio days, injury recovery workouts, leg days, yoga-inspired workouts, Crossfit-inspired workouts and leg days. Did I mention leg days, we never seem to forget leg days. But in all of that, when we can’t make it to the gym, they are away, or we are away, I am always at a loss for what to do on my own. We have, over the years, picked up some equipment and have set up a spot in the basement. But, when it comes right down to doing it, I feel completely overwhelmed. I don’t know why I just do. So sometimes I just resort to the recumbent bike, elliptical, hit the trails for a hike or run or when it’s really not a great idea day, I go back upstairs and sulk and get nothing done.
This week, though we had friends over and heard about an app that he was using and liking. So, I downloaded it and decided to give it a try. Sworkit. That is what I tried and guess what, it actually works quite well.
It is simple and easy to follow, which is really important. The idea is that you don’t have to have a lot of time or space and you don’t have to have any equipment. So in my room full of kettlebells, free weights, big exercise balls, and a large piece of daunting equipment in the corner of my room, I pulled out my yoga mat and began.
At first, I wondered how this was going to work. How was I possibly going to get a good workout in with no equipment, creativity, that’s how. The app talks you through what you are doing now and then tells you what is coming next and allows you time to finish what you are doing and time to get into position for the next move. I want to say the best part is… but I found that there were a couple of really cool parts. One was that on your screen it actually has someone doing the move you are about to do. So, you can watch to see what you are supposed to look like, once you have mastered it, of course. The next great thing is that you have the ability to pause the workout. Obviously, you don’t want to do this all the time, it kind of defeats the purpose of getting your heart rate up, but if you have to “pause for the cause” you get to and then jump right back in where you left off.
There is also a nice variety to choose from. Cardio, strength, yoga and stretching as well as the ability to create custom workouts if you want.
This app is not the end to trainers. I am not going to quit the gym for a free app, but on the days where I need to get a workout in, even a short one, this is going to work for me. It is also a simple solution for people who are just starting out. It will allow you to work out as much or as little as you have time for and you don’t need to run out and spend a fortune on equipment.
Just for an FYI, I am writing this just because I have tried this app and like it, I am in no way involved with this company. If I choose to write about a product, I will let you know if I have been asked to check out something.
To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise. – Gene Tunney
