Many people enjoy working out at home. Gym memberships can be expensive and working out at home allows you flexibility to exercise according to your schedule. But exercising will only work if you actually do it. Thus, the most effective home workout one you will do. Finding the one, or ones, you enjoy does take some time and effort but it need not cost a fortune. Here are some ways to explore different kinds of workouts.

One of the best places to explore is right here on the Internet. Doing a search for "free workout videos online" brings an many choices. You can find vintage Jazzercise videos to Cardio. There are even some of the newer workouts like Pilates and Zumba fitness. Try a different kind everyday! When you find a style you like or an instructor that inspires you, you can take it a step further and buy fitness videos from your favorite styles and instructors.

Searching for "workout plans" brings a wealth of workout routines at your fingertips. Many of them are are strength training routines and the more muscle you build, the more fat you'll burn. Some of these sites allow you to track your progress if you register. Registration is usually free. Recording your workouts is very helpful. It makes you accountable to yourself and inspires you to keep going. You may need to purchase a couple sizes of dumbbells (or you can use exercise bands) but they aren't too expensive and you don't have to buy every size at once.

Don't overlook the simple but effective exercises that were part of many school P.E. programs. Basic calisthenics like jumping jacks, running in place and jumping rope give you a really good cardio kick! Pushups, squats, lunges and crunches are excellent exercises for building strength and muscle and can be done quickly without any special equipment. You can even make your own circuit training routine by combining cardio with body strength exercises. Try rotating between them for an intense full body workout. For instance, you might run in place for a couple of minutes then do a few lunges, then a few jumping jacks and then crunches.

Another option for home workouts is exercise equipment such as ellipticals, stationary bikes and weight machines. These can be very expensive but there are a few ways to save money. Shopping online can often be cheaper than shopping at a store. Auction sites like eBay often have quality equipment at a discount that's new or gently used. Try Craigslist, your local newspaper, garage sales and swap meets. I found a BoFlex on Craigslist for $100. It was barely used, the person who bought it new thought it was a great idea but instead it ended up in her garage. I use it all the time and have definitely gotten more than my money's worth. Many discount stores like Costco and Walmart sell exercise balls, bands and other inexpensive equipment that include workout ideas with them.

There are many options for working out at home and don't be afraid to mix it up! Do a dumbbell routine one day, an online workout video the next day and calisthenics the next. Variety can keep boredom away, which will make it easier to keep with a fitness program. Write down what you do each day and, if it's a new kind of exercise for you, make a note about how whether or not you liked it. There's no point in wasting time on a fitness routine you don't enjoy. Remember, the only effective home workout is the one you'll actually do!