After the constant lockdowns and quarantines of the past year, we are all getting used to spending more time at home.
The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your exercise routine just because you’re staying in. Take a look at how to work out when you have minimal equipment or space.
A quick reminder: why work out?
Exercise is vital for your mental and physical health. It makes you stronger, healthier, and happier and can even improve your sleep. Even if you’re not going anywhere, finding a way to stay active will keep you in a more positive frame of mind and give you more motivation to get other things done in the day.
How to work out at home
Exercising at home is cheap, convenient, and available to everyone. No matter how little space you have, you can always find a way to make it work.
In an ideal world, we would all have a separate room or garage for a home gym and multiple machines like treadmills and stationary bikes. However, that’s not the reality for most of us.
If you have limited space and no equipment, you can still do a resistance workout to build strength, fitness and stamina. There are guides to getting started on Healthline, self.com, and nerdfitness.com, to name a few. Do a little hunting and you will soon find a routine that suits you.
Start building your home gym with a simple pair of dumbbells and a step. These can be enough equipment to do a good workout with and can be easily stored out of sight.
Your secret weapon when you only have a small area to work out in is a screen. Distract yourself from the fact that you’re running on the spot with Netflix or a show and the time will pass more quickly.
Get creative
Running on the spot may be convenient and a way to multitask but you’re going to be looking for something a bit more exciting sooner or later!
Fortunately, there are so many online workouts available, either in the form of pre-recorded or live classes. Have some fun by joining a virtual dance class. Steezy and Dance Australia both offer online options. If you really want a challenge, step up and join a ballet class with prima ballerina Misty Copeland on Masterclass.
From martial arts to HIIT training, you can now find almost any type of workout to stream into your living room. Check out a free trial then subscribe to a channel so you are more motivated to attend your workout from home.
Work out at home with a friend
COVID permitting, you don’t have to work out alone.
Clear some space in your living room, on your deck or in your backyard and invite a friend to put themself through their paces with you.
This can be hugely beneficial to maintain motivation and you will be surprised how much you can push each other to succeed.
How to work out at home: dress the part for added motivation
You can still look and feel good while you’re working out at home. Treat yourself to come quality workout gear and you’ll be more motivated to keep up with your personal fitness routine.