Working out at home offers a convenient and flexible way to stay active and healthy without the constraints of a gym or fitness class. It allows individuals to tailor their exercise routines to their own schedule and preferences. With the rise of online resources, from workout videos to virtual trainers, there are endless options to explore and customize workouts based on personal fitness levels and goals.
There are many health benefits to consistent exercise. Therefore, experts and health professionals recommend 150 minutes of exercise each week, or 30 minutes 5 days per week. Allowing yourself to exercise consistently requires commitment and motivation, and working out at home empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being in a way that fits seamlessly into their daily lives.
How to Stay Motivated when Working Out at Home
Staying motivated is often one challenge people face when creating and sticking to an exercise routine. Ultimately, finding what inspires and drives you is key to sustaining motivation for exercise, transforming it from a task into a fulfilling and enriching part of life.
Set Clear Goals
Are you exercising to lose weight? build muscle/improve endurance? or simply to feel better? Defining clear and specific goals, like SMART goals, that outline what you want to achieve will help keep you focused and motivated.
Focus on the Benefits
Before each workout, remind yourself of the numerous benefits to regular exercise. Exercising can help improve your mood, increase energy levels, aid in better sleep, and help reduced stress. Including exercise into your weekly routine now can help set you up for success later in life as well.
Find What You Enjoy when Working Out at Home
This is so important! Choose an exercise routine or type of movement that you enjoy. Try yoga, walking or running outside, swimming, weight training, or online programs. If you enjoy multiple types of movement, then mix it up. Variety can prevent boredom and will help keep your workouts interesting.
Create an Environment for Success
The best environment for you will depend on personal preference, available space, and budget. However, working out at home can be achievable for everyone.
Designated Space
Find a dedicated area in your home that you can use exclusively for workouts. This could be a spare room, section of your garage or backyard, or even a corner of your living room. Creating a designated space will allow you to be more focused and have more success during your workouts.
Equipment for Working Out at Home
Depending on your movement and activity of choice, different equipment may be required. There is some basic equipment that can be purchased that can help you be successful when setting up to work out at home.
- Workout mat or padded floor mats
- Resistance bands
- Kettle bell or Dumbbell set
- Jump ropes
- Bench for lifting weights
- Elliptical or stationary bike
Decor
Create a fun and personalized space that makes you happy. Incorporate things from the list below to make the workout space an area you enjoy being in.
- Add speakers to blast a fun workout playlist. Create a playlist or use one that has already been made on streaming services.
- Hang a television for streaming any online workout videos that you may be following.
- Hang or place mirrors around to add to your decor, and these can be used while you’re working out to check form and technique.
- Find motivational decor that inspires you. This could be posters or artwork that you enjoy, you could also hang pictures of your family or friends, if these are people that motivate you.
Stay Organized when Working Out at Home
Scheduling
Schedule when you are going to workout. Set aside time in a calendar like you would for any other appointment to help you stay consistent and organized. This could also be added into your phone calendar as an appointment as well. Be specific when scheduling your workouts, note down what workout you are doing on each day.
Workout Journal
Keep a workout journal to record your exercises, sets, reps, and any notes or observations about your workouts. This can help you track your progress over time and identify areas for improvement. A workout journal is also a great place to write down your goals and other motivational factors.
Online Workout Programs for Working Out at Home
There are many streaming services that offer a variety of workouts and classes you can do at home. Try searching “30 minute yoga class” or “45 minute cycle class” on youtube to see what you can find. Additionally, companies like Apple Health or Peloton also has programs available.
Anderson’s Nutrition Get Move Program
Here at Anderson’s Nutrition we offer our Get Move Program. This personalized fitness program provides a 1:1 virtual session with our personal trainer to review your needs and goals. From there, your custom program is designed to help you truly achieve whatever outcomes you are seeking. Specific plans are uploaded in an app where you can track your progress. Meanwhile, your trainer is available to answer questions and keep you on target. Check it out more here.
Focus on your “Whys” when Working out at Home
Your “whys” are your reason for wanting to exercise and improve your fitness. Focusing on them can help keep you motivated and committed to your goals.
Self Reminders
At the start of your fitness journey, take the time to write down your reasons for wanting to exercise and improve your fitness. These can be different for everybody, but the are a huge factor when staying motivated. Keep your whys somewhere visible, whether it’s in your workout journal or on a sticky note or poster in your workout space.
Create Affirmations
Develop positive affirmations related to your fitness goals and repeat them to yourself. For example, “I am strong and capable” or “I am working towards a healthier, happier me”. Affirmations can boost your confidence and keep your motivation high.
Find Meaning
Connect your workouts and movement to larger values and priorities in life. For example, exercising regularly might align with your desire to live a long and healthy life, or it may align with wanting to be a positive role model for your family.
Fitness and nutrition go hand-in-hand. If you are someone wanting to start transitioning to a more balanced lifestyle all around, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our registered dietitians today.
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