With many people spending much more time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, finding ways to work out at home has become a priority. Whether your gym is still closed or you’re simply not willing to take the risk of working out in a communal area, you may be looking for new ideas for how to establish an at-home workout routine, and more importantly, stick to it. Luckily, with so much technology at your fingertips and versatile equipment options, doing so is easier than ever before.
Start with these tips for implementing a new workout routine at home:
#1: Plan Your Workout
First things first, figure out what type of workout you’re going to do. You might feel pretty limited in your options, if you don’t have a lot of space and money it’s not like you can build your own obstacle course. However, there are still plenty of types of workouts you can do at home if you’re willing to get a bit creative. Apps like Daily Burn offer libraries with different styles of workouts at different intensities so you can find a home workout you enjoy, no matter your fitness level.
If you don’t already have a preferred workout style, consider what your goals are (losing weight, building muscle, recovering from an injury, etc.) and research which exercises are best.
#2: Get the Right Clothing
While you might think it really matters what you wear because you’re at home, what you work out in can make a big difference—from how comfortable you are to your actual performance.
- Top: Whatever type of workout shirt you prefer—whether it be a tank top, long sleeve, or something in between—choose a moisture-wicking fabric that quickly absorbs sweat and keeps you cool.
- Bottom: Shorts or pants that are made from breathable, easy-to-move in fabrics are best. Choosing fitted styles as opposed to baggy sweatpants are also recommended because they allow you to see your muscles working and you don’t have to worry about them interfering with your form.
- Feet: If you’re using an in-home treadmill it might be worthwhile to invest in Nike running shoes, for kickboxing you’ll want trainers, and for barre, you’ll want a pair of non-slip socks.
#3: Invest in Equipment
Some workouts require special equipment like free-standing boxing bags. Not all equipment requires a big financial investment though. There are a lot of affordable at-home workout equipment options that are simplified, lighter-weight versions of what you’d find in the gym. Do a bit of research online and you can likely find something you can use at home that will act as a pretty good substitute for your usual go-to equipment.
Here are a few popular tools that people swear by for at-home workouts:
- Resistance bands
- Portable home gyms (complete with bars, bands, and more)
- Free weights
- Pedals
- Ab rollers
Look into high-tech options too like the JAXJOX digital kettlebell that makes it easier to go up in weight as you gain strength without having to constantly buy new kettlebells.
Also Read: What Are the Benefits of EAA Supplements?
#4: Stick to a Routine
For many of us, getting started isn’t the problem it’s sticking to it. A major challenge for those working out from home is the temptation to hop on the couch and watch TV, get distracted by all the chores that need to be done around the house, or do virtually anything else that is in the comfort of your own home offers. That’s why it’s essential to create a routine and commit to it. Need some help? Here are a few recommendations to start with:
- Pencil in your workouts on your calendar
- Workout the same days each week (and around the same time, if possible)
- Set a minimum amount of time for your workout session
- Have all of your equipment in one convenient area
- Make space for yourself to workout
- Lay out your workout clothes in the morning
- Make it clear that you need a distraction-free work out if you live with others
- Track your progress
It also might be worth looking into learning more about the F.I.T.T. principle used by personal trainers.
With all the mobile apps, free training resources, and these tips in mind, you can establish a home workout routine that helps you achieve your fitness goals, you just have to get started.
