No treadmill - what can I do in my home?

My parents sold our treadmill a while ago without telling me, and I'm definitely missing it. It was great because I could use it in the comfort of my own home. If my parents say no to getting a new one, what type of exercises can I do at home with similar benefits?

why don't you want to go outside?

dancing around is really fun

Here is a great routine to do 2-3 times per week. It isn't exactly something you can do in your house, but you can do it right outside on the street which is close enough..LOL

Do a three minute warm up ( brisk walking, jogging, etc). Then sprint for 15-20 seconds as hard as you can, followed by brisk walking for 40-60 seconds to recover. Then keep switching off from sprinting to walking for 15-20 minutes. Then do a 5 minute cooldown when you are finished. Just make sure that you give yourself at least 1-2 days rest in between sessions to recover. For example, you could do it Mon, Thurs, and Saturday.

This type of cardio is called HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) because it mixes super fast intervals with recovery periods. It offsets your body and never lets it adapt because you are always changing speeds. It will really speed up your metabolism so you burn more calories through out the day, and it will attack bodyfat and spare the muscle which is what you want. When you go for an extended period of time on a treadmill, your body adapts and turns to muscle for energy instead of bodyfat. HIIT is a lot more effective overall then doing cardio on a treadmill.

If you live in a place like I do (Houston) you know that nobody in their right mind goes outside unless they absolutely have to. It's 99 and humid at the moment and in a few weeks it will get quite hot out.

If you house has stairs, go up and down as often as you can.

You can pace the house while on the phone and depending on the layout get up a good rate of speed.

Go to the mall and join me (I'm the white haired one in sneakers) in a very fast paced two mile walk.

Are you in high school or college? Some places have tracks and pools - either in or out - that are available to you. Be creative and you'll find something.

Ask your parents if you can take dance lessons. My daughter just signed up for ballroom dancing (they are learning salsa first) and had a terrific time as well as a great workout!

Have fun, whatever you choose.

Hi Megnaay

If you want to do something in your house try Beachbody DVD's They are great

John FaMis

Workout videos can be really fun.  If you can get a free Netflix trial, rent a bunch of different ones and see what you like.

Try Leslie Sansone.  She 'walks' at home.  Various levels.  She has a site.  I do the 1-mile walk that she offers free.  It is a good workout. 

How about jumping rope? Whenever I can't get my run in (either too hot outside or I don't feel like going out), I will jump rope. It really gets your heart rate going and gives your legs a good workout.

From the FAQ: Options for equipmentless workouts

You can start by walking or running outside in your neighborhood. That will get you out burning calories and also relieve your mind of the inside of your house and get you out and about in nature. If you have a dog, try taking the dog out everyday, that is an excuse to get you out and about.

Also, you can try the Tracy Anderson method DVDs, she has 3 DVDs (Dance Cardio, Mat and Post-Pregnancy). I have been doing her Mat and Dance DVDs for about a month now and love it. She really focuses on toning and making you lean and caters to women and our bodies.

Good Luck and have fun with your exercising, a treadmill is boring. :-)