Staying fit and active doesn’t require a gym membership, a jogging trail or expensive equipment. With the right at-home workout, you can keep your body healthy at very little cost. You may even save time, too.
The key is staying committed to your home workout routine, which can be challenging for many. To develop a home exercise program you can stick with, follow these tips.
Make a home gym
Give your workout its own space by designating a room, an area of your basement or a corner in your family room. You don’t need a lot of room or expensive equipment to make a home gym. Just make sure you designate a space where you feel comfortable and can focus on your body.
A designated home workout space also makes it easier to get started, especially when you aren't feeling motivated. You won’t need to track down equipment strewn throughout the house. Everything you need is in one place.
Stream online workout videos
There are many free, high-quality workout videos on YouTube and health and wellness websites. Whether you want to try yoga or Pilates, lift weights or perform step aerobics, you can find it online. Save your favorite videos in a playlist so you can easily find the workout you want when it’s time to get moving.
While streaming workout videos is fine, avoid streaming other content while you're working out. If you get too wrapped up in the latest Netflix show, you won’t focus on your body or how it feels. This could impact your workout performance.
Invest in equipment you’ll use
You don’t need to purchase every piece of exercise equipment under the sun. Choose small items that help you get a better workout. For instance, if you enjoy yoga, get a comfortable mat and yoga block. If you prefer to lift weights, pick a dumbbell set with a variety of weights.
It might be best to wait to buy equipment until you know which workouts you enjoy most. Once you know what you love and commit to doing it often, you can get the equipment to match.
Dress the part
Just because you're at home doesn’t mean you should work out in your pajamas. Clothes can affect how you feel. Dress in gym clothes to help you feel motivated and ready to get active. Pick out comfortable clothes that make you feel good about your body, and wear them only when you’re going to work out.
Pick a time to work out
Some people can work out on a flexible schedule, but others need a routine. Make working out part of your routine by doing it at the same time each day. For instance, you might wake up, dress in gym clothes and work out before taking a shower and getting ready for work. You might also come straight home from work and exercise as part of winding down for the evening.
Whatever you choose, pick a workout that fits your schedule. You don’t have to work out for hours every day to see results. If you do it consistently, just 15 to 20 minutes in the morning is enough to improve your health.
Keep challenging yourself
When you’re at home by yourself, it’s easy to fall into a comfortable workout routine. But over time, you’ll start seeing fewer and fewer results from that routine as your body gets used to the exercise.
Pay attention to how your body feels. Is your workout easy now? Is your stamina better? Are your muscles less sore the next day? If so, it’s time to take your workout to the next level. You may need to increase your weights or try a new workout video with higher intensity. You’ll see better results if you vary your workouts over time.
Working out at home can be more comfortable and help you save money. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to improving your health in no time.