Staying healthy and keeping in shape is a must for everyone, but especially cammers because your livelihood depends on what you look like and whether you show up or not.
Unlike many other jobs out there, as a cam artist, there’s no sick days, no vacation, and no bonuses from some benevolent boss. When you’re not feeling well and unable to perform, your pocketbook pays the price.
This is why exercising is so important – it helps to maintain long-term health.
For many of us this means coughing up money for the gym. In the past I did an article about Barlates Body Blitz – an online YouTube workout program that’s free and can help you save a lot of money by forgoing the gym membership. But what I didn’t discuss is how to set up your home workout space and the main items you’ll need to get started.
First and foremost, if you live in an apartment, you know that neighbors are an issue with sound – but this can be taken care of if you get the right equipment, choose the smartest workouts (that are lower impact), and open your mind to what you’re wearing on your feet.
For starters, a large quality workout matt is a must.
Check out these by Gorilla Matts – they’re super big, super thick, and super comfy. If you find these a little pricey, Amazon has some other great options – just make sure to get a matt that’s at least 2/5 inch thick and 72 inches in length (so you have space to move) whenever possible – I like this one by Gaiam. A matt really cuts down on the sound.
Next up, go for the low-impact workouts.
For those of you who are obsessed with thinking you have to jump around and kill yourself to get results, this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you try any of the intermediate to advanced Barlates cardio workouts you’ll find your heart rate soaring, your muscles screaming, and you’ll burn just as much fat as a traditional high-impact workout. If these don’t work for you, do a simple YouTube Google search of “low-impact workouts” to find the ones that speak to you.|
Now let’s talk about those clunky sneakers. Consider training without shoes – check with your doctor of course as everyone is different – but once I got used to it, I never looked back – it really worked for me and actually helped to strengthen my feet and ankles, improve balance and of course it keeps the noise down. There are also numerous types of Pilate’s workout socks which I’ve used for different types of programs, and lightweight tennies like these Allbirds.
For equipment, you’ll want to purchase some weights and/or resistance bands.
Bands (get the short and long ones for different uses) work your muscles differently and can be swapped for dumbbells if you’re short on space and money. But I like and use both. For weights start small and build up – my go to dumbbell set ranges from one to eight pounds and I can get anything I need done by pairing them with bands. Men cammers, obviously you’re going to go a lot heavier.
Lastly, don’t forget stretching, two must buys are a foam roller to help with sore muscles, and a Pilates strap which you can also use when you’re relaxing on the couch and watching TV.
You’re now ready to start working out at home!
From there you can slowly add other items in the next few months such as Ankle Weights, Step Platforms, and Pilates, Yoga, and Bosu Balls.
Equipment is a lot of fun and can keep boredom from seeping in.
Sure, you’ll have to put out a little cash to get your personal fitness space set up, but in the long run you’ll save tons from nixing your gym membership and you could be more consistent with your workout schedule because you don’t have to get in a car and drive anywhere to do it.
Good luck!
Main photo credit:iStock.com/Ninoon
First photo credit: iStock.com/Inside Creative House
Second photo credit: iStock.com/megaflopp
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
