Have you been putting working out on the back burner because you’re too busy to make it to the gym? Or are you trying to save on the membership fees?
We’ve got good news: You don’t need a lot of investment to get in shape. Whether in terms of time or money investment
You can get a great workout with just your body weight. Working out at home can be as effective as sweating out at a gym. The challenge, however, is to do it right.
Home workouts have a reputation for being yawn-inspiringly dull. But you can make them effective and fun with these expert tips.
Before You Start
Since you’ll be your coach, it’s important to be clear about your goals. Define what you want to achieve from working out at home. It could be anything from losing weight to gaining muscle or improving stamina.
If you’ve underlying conditions like a weak knee or a bad back, be careful about the exercises you choose. Pass on the ones that require jerky movements or too much impact.
Similarly, for people with a case of alcohol dependency, it is best to get an alcohol detox before starting with the workout regime. It’ll improve your chances of success and make the process less taxing on your body. If you need help with your addiction, reach out to the experts at the Delphi Group for assistance.
Find a Creative Way to Get Moving
If the thought of another round of crunches makes you want to curl up in a ball and cry, it’s time to get creative with your workouts. There are many ways to get moving that don’t involve mind-numbing repetitions or equipment that collects dust in the corner.
Take a dance break, try a new sport, hike, or explore your city on a bike. Remember that even household chores can be a great workout! So, mop and clean to your heart’s content and get a great workout.
Get Some Friends Involved
One’s boring, but two’s a party, right? So, invite a friend to a workout session and make it into a competition. See who can do more reps or hold a plank for longer. You can also motivate and help each other stay on track.
Some super fun workouts you can do with a friend are dumbbell thrusters, planks, and burpees. Also, try squat jump high-fives or medicine ball twist passes for a dose of cardio.
Make sure you have enough room to move around!
Make Your Workout Spot Exciting
We can all use extra motivation to keep up with our home workouts. Try spicing up your workout space if you feel meh about your usual routine.
Turn up the music, light some candles, or open the curtains to let in some natural light. If you have space, add a few plants or hang up some inspiring art. Anything that makes you happy and excited to be in your workout space will do the trick!
Don’t forget the basics, though. You’ll need room to store your equipment, a comfortable place to do your workouts, and good ventilation.
Find an Online Workout Community
Accountability is a key component of any successful workout routine. If you’re lowering your glutes to the ground for the millionth time but only in your imagination, it might be time to find a workout community online. These power bursts of fitness enthusiasts will help you stay on track and motivated to reach your fitness goals.
Not only will you be able to find like-minded people to connect with, but you’ll also have access to a wealth of workout resources. From beginner yoga flows to expert HIIT routines, there’s something for everyone!
Vary Your Workout Routine
Are you tired of bridging your way to a better butt? Us too.
The key to staying motivated is to keep your workouts interesting. That means varying your routine and trying new things.
Boost your intensity with HIIT workouts, try a new yoga pose, or add some weight to your squats. You can even change your environment, like walking on a steeper incline or working outdoors.
Some find comfort in a repetitive routine, and if that’s what you prefer, there’s nothing wrong with it. Just be aware that you may reach a plateau eventually.
Always Be Equipment-Ready
Missing equipment is a reason for a workout buzzkill. Have a designated spot for your workout gear, and ensure it’s always clean and ready to go.
If you’re short on space, invest in some small equipment that can do double duty. For example, resistance bands are great for a full-body workout, and a jump rope is a great cardio option.
Kettlebells are versatile equipment that can be used for various exercises, from swings to goblet squats.
Of course, you’ll also need comfortable sneakers for your workouts. And make sure you have a water bottle to stay hydrated!
Set Some Realistic Goals
Part of the reason people give up on their workout routines is that they do not see results fast enough. But the truth is, results take time.
Instead of setting unrealistic goals, focus on making small changes you can stick with in the long run.
Start by adding a few minutes to your weekly workouts or increasing the weight you’re lifting. You can also try a new workout class or add a challenging move to your routine.
Take it one step at a time, and be patient with yourself. The results will come!
Watch What You’re Eating
You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. If you are still waiting to see results from your workouts, look closely at what you’re eating.
Are you consuming more calories than you’re burning? Are you eating enough protein to rebuild muscle? What is the quality of the carbs you’re eating?
You don’t need to deprive yourself of your favorite foods, but you should be aware of how eating affects your body.
So, ditch the bland and stir-fry some veggies, bake a yummy protein mug cake, or whip up a healthy smoothie. Please your palate while nourishing your body!
Final Thoughts
Working out doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little planning and effort, you can make it something you look forward to! If you’re working out at home, chances are you’ll try to find excuses not to do it. But if you set up your space correctly, have the right equipment, and find ways to keep yourself accountable, you’ll be on your way to a successful workout routine in no time! We also recommend watching out for any injuries and listening to your body. If you feel pain, stop and consult a doctor before continuing.
Now get out there and start sweating!
