Home exercise is the third most-reported physical activity after walking and gardening. A survey by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute shows that one-half of Canadian men and women did home exercise in 1995, a substantial increase since 1981, when only one-quarter reported exercising at home. Weight training, which can also be done at home, increased significantly as well, from 5% in 1981 to 23% in 1995.

A major advantage of exercising at home is convenience, especially for parents and other individuals who face considerable time pressures. Many find home workouts easier to fit into their hectic schedules. Edmund Burke, editor of Complete Home Fitness Handbook (Human Kinetics Publisher), lists other pluses of home exercise:

• people do not have to go out to a club;
• they do not have to stand in line to use a machine;
• they can exercise in a comfortable environment, away from raging blizzards, scorching heat, or downpours;
• they can have a safe workout in the security of their home;
• they won't be self-conscious, especially if they are carrying a few extra pounds;
• they can have clean equipment that only they use;
• they are not bombarded with loud music they may not like;
• they have the flexibility to exercise when they want, without arranging babysitting or juggling schedules to allow all family members to do their own physical activity.

A 1994 year-long study of 350 subjects at Stanford University School of Medicine compared the effectiveness and adherence of a group of supervised home exercisers and a group who reported for a group session at the university. Researchers found that regardless of exercise intensity, the home exercise group reported significantly greater adherence than those in the university-based program.

Nonetheless, people sometimes have trouble starting and staying with an exercise program. Burke says this happens because they're unprepared. They need to "think through the process and formulate a plan." What kind of activity do they like to do? What is their physical activity or exercise goal? Health? Fitness? Improved appearance? What time of day would be most convenient? How do they stay motivated to be active on a regular basis? As people answer these important questions, they are on the way to setting realistic goals and are setting themselves up for success.

The next step is simply to include their workout in their daily planner and keep their commitment, just as they would any other appointment.