It is easy to feel that starting exercise requires a gym membership or expensive equipment first.
However, you can first determine what works for you using exercises you can do at home and free videos alone.
What matters is checking whether an exercise is something you can keep doing consistently, rather than buying products simply because they are popular.
3-Line Summary
1. You can start exercising without equipment
2. Incline shoulder taps are done on an elevated surface
3. Try a free trial before paying
Incline Shoulder Taps Against a Wall or Countertop
The British women’s health publication Women’s Health covered the incline shoulder tap introduced by Joan MacDonald (a fitness advocate who runs an online exercise platform). Instead of lying down or facing the floor as in a floor plank, this exercise is performed with your hands placed on a high, stable surface such as a wall, countertop, or exercise bench.
The method is relatively simple. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, place your hands on the elevated surface, and step your feet back so that your body is nearly in a straight line from your head to your heels. While keeping your abdomen and glutes engaged, move one hand to touch the opposite shoulder briefly, place it back down, and repeat on the other side. The key is to prevent your pelvis from swaying significantly during the movement.
MacDonald explained that this exercise may help with core stability, which enables the body to resist twisting forces, as well as balance and stabilization around the shoulders. However, these are the exercise benefits he described, and this material alone cannot determine whether it is appropriate for people with pain or joint problems. Beginners were advised to start with 2 sets of 8~10 repetitions per side.
Ways to Save on Exercise Costs by “Trying It for Free Before Deciding”
The U.S. financial publication NerdWallet cited advice from certified financial counselors that people should first use free workouts and short trial periods to reduce exercise costs. The article said that activities available in everyday life, such as walking and cycling, along with free online exercise videos, can be starting points.
For paid apps or memberships, it suggested trying them for just one month before making an annual payment or using a free or discounted trial. It also advised checking the end date and cancellation terms, since a subscription fee may be charged automatically when the trial ends. The point is not to tie up money in equipment and long-term passes before knowing whether a particular exercise suits you.
The article also introduced checking available benefits before making a purchase, since company benefits or insurance coverage may include gym discounts. Walking with an acquaintance or making exercise appointments can help improve consistency without additional costs. The first things to examine in exercise are the movements you can repeat and the amount you will spend, rather than the popularity of new equipment.
References
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