I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my daily exercise routine. I joined the YMCA, but if you don’t have the budget for a gym membership there are things you can do in your own home that will help you get in shape. This weekend I filmed several exercises you can do in your living room, but it is still in production (my son hasn’t spliced it all together yet) so I wanted to tell you about another very inexpensive exercise plan.
Last week I started the Couch to 5k running program. While I love going to the gym, there are some days I can’t make it there. I wanted to find something I could do that didn’t require anything but tennis shoes. My friend Lynn told me about the Couch to 5k app a while back so I thought I would try it.
This app is $1.99, but worth it! In nine weeks you go from couch potato to 5k runner in just 30 minutes a day, three times a week. The app allows you to track your progress time and distance. Lynn has written a great article on why the Couch to 5k works, so head over there and read all about it.
I’ve never been a runner, and so far I don’t love it, but I know it will help improve my overall fitness and it is an inexpensive way to stay in shape.
If running isn’t your thing, check back next week for my video tutorial of 5 simple exercises you can do in your living room.
Jenny says
Couch to 5K is awesome. I started in October and ran my first 5K race in February, at the age of 45! The first 3 weeks were not fun, but by the end I was loving it! It does help if you have someone to run with. My 14 year old daughter was my training partner and it was a wonderful time of bonding for us.
Sara says
I need to try the couch to 5k program again. Last time I decided to skip weeks and ended up hurt and swollen. Keep up the good work!
Rebecca says
I don’t normally comment, but I have to share that the couch to 5k is an amazing program!! I have never, ever enjoyed running, but after finishing this program I truly do enjoy it! It took several stops and starts, and I really struggled for the first 6 weeks, but once I got past that point I could actually say with confidence “I can do that!” when I’d look at the upcoming workouts. And now I can run for 45 minutes without stopping, and I’m starting to train for a half marathon! I was not in shape when i started. Anyone can do this!!If you want to be a runner but don’t know where to start this is the way to go!
Cindy A. says
A couple weeks ago bought the app for Couch to 5K. This is how bad I was… I had to go to Youtube and watch a video to make sure I remembered how to jog! No Kidding! First couple days was a joke… I could hardly breathe. I never realized I was in such bad shape!!