WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024
5 tips for working out at home
By Chantel Nowak
Working out at home can be simple and there are tons of at–home workouts to choose from.
Do you want to start working out at home? It can come with more distractions than attending a one-hour class at the gym. It’s easy to prioritize cleaning, family time or cooking dinner before deciding to work out. But there are many simple ways to get moving at home. You don’t need a lot of equipment or space to get into a routine.
We’ll cover 5 home workout tips to help you stick to a routine:
Choose your at-home workout space
Put on your gym clothes
Don’t worry about gym equipment
Use your devices to get new workouts
Set realistic fitness goals
1. Choose your at-home workout space
Designate a corner in your home as your workout spot. You only need a space the size of a yoga mat.
It’s best to not exercise in the same place you watch TV, relax, or eat. This will help you focus and stay committed to your workout. And help you resist your latest Netflix binge or checking your phone or work emails.
If you work from home, schedule 30 minutes on your calendar to exercise at lunch hour. Or before you start your workday if you’re a morning person. If you prefer evening workouts, still schedule it on your phone or calendar. It’ll help you stick to your workout plan and help you feel dedicated.
2. Put on your gym clothes
Dress like you’re going to the gym. You’ll feel more like exercising when you’re wearing athletic clothes. If your closet feels far away, stock yourself with some workout clothes in a nearby washroom. That way, you can quickly change when it’s time to exercise.
You might also find it helpful to put on your running shoes 15 minutes before you plan to workout. Do some dishes or pick up some toys with your shoes on. It’s a great way to warm up and get a little extra energy before beginning your workout.
3. Don’t worry about equipment
You don’t need that much equipment if any at all.
If you do have basic equipment such as hand weights and a mat, you’ll have lots of options. You don’t need to go into a fitness or sports store and break the bank. You can find inexpensive options online. If you’re going to use weights, it’s a good idea to have two different sets. That way, you can customize your workout and modify as needed.
If you don’t have hand weights and you want to add extra resistance, try soup cans or water bottles. Some other equipment you might find beneficial include resistance bands or a foam roller. They can help you to stretch your muscles before a workout and pamper them afterwards.
Check with your HR department to see if they offer any benefit dollars to pay for equipment or shoes. Some workplaces offer employees an allowance for fitness.
Do you have workplace benefits with Sun Life?
Sign in to mysunlife.ca to get your coverage details.
4. Use your devices to get new workouts
Don’t think you can make up your own circuits? That’s okay. There are lots of routines out there, especially through apps, and many are free. Consider trying one of these options:
Fitplan: Gym & Home Workouts
GetFit: Home Workout & Fitness
Tone It Up app
They feature programs that guide you through daily workouts. You can do them any place, any time – including at home. Most are free. Others have a free trial so you can see if you like them before committing to paying for them.
If you have a smart speaker, you can also use it to guide you through a home workout. Alexa can pull up five-minute workouts for you.
You can also try creating a free playlist on Spotify. Choose songs that energize you. Occasionally, swap out your playlist to keep things interesting.
5. Set realistic fitness goals
Start slowly, trust your strength, and treat your body well. You don’t have to jump into it full speed. Instead, commit to what you think is reasonable for your body and schedule what you can manage each week. Maybe three days a week will work to start. As you become more comfortable, start doing more.
Do you work from home? You might want to consider other ways to stay active. Getting up for a stretch or going outdoors for a walk is a really good way to get moving.
6 reasons to work out at home.
No worries about extra germs and crowded spaces.
You can set up your own personal space and choose the music and time.
You don’t need to pack a bag and lock up your valuables.
Skip the commute time and parking fees at the gym.
You get alone time to take care of your physical and mental health.
You get to model prioritizing physical fitness to your children or family.
Workouts are a great way to take care of your mental health, too. Exercising has so many benefits, including helping fight anxiety and depression.
Commit to the time and trust the process, and you’ll be on your way to living a healthier life.
Posted 12:10 PM