Tired of trekking out to the gym every day? Longing for a way to get fit from the comfort of your own home? Then home workouts may just be the answer! Working out in the comfort of your own space offers a wealth of advantages. Not only is it more convenient, it means you can choose to display that final triumphant push-up selfie. From yoga to running on the spot, there are lots of different exercises and activities that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
1. Cranking Up the Volume on Home Workouts
Home workouts can be incredibly effective when it comes to getting into great shape, and they certainly come with their fair share of benefits – you don’t need to go to a gym and the cost is minimal at best. But one problem that many face is feeling inhibited if there’s nobody else around. Music, however, is a great way to really get things going and up the intensity. Here are three top tips for cranking up the volume and making the most of the experience.
Prepare Some Epic Playlists. One of the best feelings when it comes to home workouts is hearing epic music that really gets you going. It could be anything from classical pieces to hip hop, hearing exactly what gets you feeling motivated is key to home workouts. Prior to the start of your session, spend some time preparing a few different playlists – one for warm up, one for mid-workout and one to wind down.
Max Out the Volume. Whilst it’s important to be mindful of those living in your home or nearby – don’t be scared to max out the volume of the music. Really blasting the beats can really increase the intensity of your workout and make tasks feel a lot easier when you can have something to lose yourself in.
Stay in Tune with New Sounds. Finally, to keep your home workouts fresh and effective, it’s important to continually update your music collection and listen to new sounds. Particularly if you are listening to the same few pieces day in, day out, you start to become less and less motivated each time you work out. Listening to the same sounds can hinder your performance, so make sure to keep up with the current trends and to listen to different genres.
- Prepare Some Epic Playlists
- Max Out the Volume
- Stay in Tune with New Sounds
2. Exploring Your Options in Home Exercise Equipment
For anybody looking to stay in top physical form while sheltering in place, home fitness equipment is the way to go. Exploring the different options can be intimidating, but a little information can go a long way.
An elliptical or stepper are basic pieces of equipment for a home gym that most people can easily install. They give you cardiovascular workout and help you stay in shape without needing to leave your house. An elliptical, though, can be more expensive to install but it lets you take a longer workout and it’s easier on the joints.
If you’d like something low-impact, why not give rowing a try? A rowing machine will give you a good cardiovascular workout and it also helps with muscle toning and joint flexibility. Plus, it’s low-impact, so it’s easy to do in a small space and you can easily adjust the intensity.
If your exercise involves weights, then you’ll want to consider the type of weight set that makes the most sense for your home gym. You’ll need a full weight set – including a barbell and various weights – for a complete workout. You’ll also need to think about how to set up the weights and the kind of surface you’ll need to protect the floor.
- Elliptical
- Stepper
- Rowing Machine
- Weight Set
Ultimately, the type of home exercise equipment you choose will depend on your workout goals and budget. Researching the different options and talking to experts who know the latest technology can be very helpful in finding the right equipment for you. That way, you can tailor your home fitness to your needs and make sure you get the best workout possible.
3. Setting Up a Home Gym on a Budget
Setting up a home gym doesn’t have to eat up your budget – given the right sensibility and creativity, you can create a functional and stylish workout area without burning a hole in your wallet.
Start by determining what essential pieces of equipment you’ll need. Consider your exercise routine and fitness level when selecting equipment. There are some essential basics that you could invest in, such as a medicine ball, dumbbells and a kettlebell, along with an exercise mat for cushioning and yoga. You don’t need to invest in all of these equipment right away, but having at least one of each will help you get the most out of your workout and avoid gym burn out.
You can save money by creating an exercise zone in an unused space, like the corner of your spare bedroom or the dining area, to accommodate some of the equipment. If you’re limited for space, consider investing in smaller and more lightweight equipment for a compact workout station.
Look around the home for objects that can double as exercise equipment. Think pillows, full water bottles, milk jugs, and full laundry baskets that can all be used for strength or core training. Items like these can help you maximize your current setup and money saved.
Finally, don’t be afraid to do some bargain hunting to score quality equipment at a reduced rate. You can scour thrift stores and garage sales for pieces of equipment that are in good condition or look out for festival sales and clearance sales from sports brands.
- Determine essential pieces of equipment
- Create an exercise zone in an unused space
- Invest in smaller and lighter equipment for a compact station
- Look around the home for objects that double as exercise equipment
- Scour thrift stores for bargains
4. Making Fitness a Priority in the Comfort of Your Home
Fitness doesn’t have to be an expensive, intimidating, time-consuming and daunting task! With a few simple tips and tricks you can make fitness a priority in the comfort of your own home!
1. Get Creative! Get creative with your home workouts! Experiment with household objects to get the feel of a gym workout at home. Creative solutions such as using a chair for tricep dips, milk containers as a weights, or old tins as kettlebells, are a great way to stay active without having to invest in gym equipment.
2. Create a Schedule Setting a routine for yourself is an easy way to ensure fitness remains a priority. Write out a weekly plan with specific activity goals for each day. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, yoga, or a high-intensity workout, setting your schedule ahead of time allows you to easily check-in with yourself and hold yourself accountable.
3. Make Mini Goals When creating your routine, ensure that you are making mini-goals to help stay motivated and on track. Noticing small wins throughout your fitness journey is a great way to remain enthusiastic. Write out mini-goals such as “I will work out for 15 minutes every day”, or “I will start with 5 push-ups a day and increase over time”.
4. Have Fun Exercise should be a form of enjoyment and not necessarily a chore. Adding fun elements to your home workouts is an excellent way to stay motivated and be creative on your fitness journey. Add exciting elements such as listening to your favorite music, or engaging in online fitness classes to provide variety and scope on your fitness ventures.
The good news is that getting fit can be faster and easier than it may have seemed. Home workouts are an effective, simple way to stay in shape and bring the gym to wherever you can create some space. With a bit of creativity and perseverance, there really are no limits to what you can do—it just takes taking that first step. Now go get fit!