Getting into a regular fitness routine is a great way to stay healthy and maintain your physical wellbeing. But with the current pandemic, getting to the gym may not always be an option. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution – at-home workouts! Here, you’ll learn some effective exercises you can do right in your own home. So no excuses, it’s time to get in shape at home!
1. Get Fit at Home – Working Out Without a Gym
Working out at home can be an awesome way to achieve your desired fitness goals! You don’t have to worry about figuring out the hard-to-use equipment, avoiding the crowds, or having to pay expensive gym fees. Here are a few ways to get fit at home:
- Bodyweight Exercises. Bodyweight exercises can help you build muscle and increase strength while also providing you with a great cardio workout. Exercises like squats, push-ups, burpees, and planks are all excellent no-equipment-needed exercises you can do right in your living room!
- Yoga and Pilates. Yoga and Pilates are great ways to improve flexibility, balance, and overall strength. All you need is a mat, and you can find plenty of good YouTube tutorials or streaming services with classes you can do at home.
- Jump Rope. This classic exercise is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn fat. Grab a jump rope and do some quick HIIT circuits to get your full body working in no time.
- Go for a Run or Walk. Running and walking both have huge health benefits and can be done anywhere. Put on some tunes and enjoy the sights and sounds of your neighborhood or a nearby park.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any free weights. You can easily get creative with everyday objects such as canned goods, water bottles, or even a book to help add resistance. Even going for a simple walk each day can give you the perfect amount of exercise if you’re short on time.
It’s also okay to vary up your routine as needed. Try a new workout every few days. This will keep your workouts interesting and also help prevent boredom so you stay motivated.
2. Sweat & Smile: Conquering the At-Home Workout
It can be difficult to stay motivated to exercise when you’re stuck in the house all day. Having a routine is key to sticking to your workout goals. So let’s look at some tips for making an effective and enjoyable at-home workout routine:
- Create an environment that’s conducive to exercise. Keep the area tidy and free of clutter. Put on some upbeat music and open the windows to let some fresh air in.
- Focus on exercises that use your bodyweight. Bodyweight workouts are great because you can do them anywhere with no equipment and they will challenge all your muscles.
- Start out with an easy warm-up. Warming up gets your heart rate up and helps your muscles transition from rest to activity.
- Choose exercises for your full body. Pick four to six exercises that are mainly focused on large muscle groups and alternate between them until you’ve completed one full set.
- Don’t forget the cooldown. When you’re finished with your workout, take a few minutes to slowly and gently cool down your body.
Remember, when it comes to getting more fit, the secret is consistency. Aim to do your workout at least three times a week so that you can see progress and keep your motivation levels up. If you stick to it, you’ll be delighted by how much fitness and health you can reap from exercising at home. So, let’s get moving, and sweat and smile away!
3. Equipment-Free Fitness: Simple Exercises You Can Do Anywhere
For those of us who find it hard to fit exercise into our already busy schedule, equipment-free fitness is the perfect solution. Even if we don’t have time to get to the gym, there are still ways to stay fit—and they don’t require any special equipment.
Wherever you go, there’s always potential to get a great workout. Here are some easy exercises that you can do in any location, with minimal space and no equipment.
- Push-Ups:
Push-ups are one of the simplest bodyweight exercises. Start in a plank position, and lower your body until your chest is a few inches from the ground. Push up until you are back in the plank position. As your body gets used to the motion, try to do more reps, or alternate between wide and narrow arm positions. - Squats:
This is a great exercise for strengthening your lower body. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and lower your body down by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Keep your chest up, and your back straight. Push through your heels to come back up, and repeat. - Lunges:
Stand tall with both feet together, then take a big step forward with your right leg. Lower your body until your left knee almost touches the ground. Push off your right foot to come back to standing position, then switch and repeat with the left leg.
Your diet matters too. Equipment-free fitness is important, but it’s only part of the equation. Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins will help to fuel your workouts and keep your body in shape.
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and make time for rest. To get the most out of your equipment-free routine, find a balance between movement and relaxation. With just a few simple exercises, you can stay fit and active, no matter where you’re located.
4. Staying Active: Making the Most of Your At-Home Regimen
Even when times are tough and it’s hard to step outside the front door, the value of a healthy exercise routine remains clear. There are some key rules to keep in mind to keep your safety in mind , while still remaining physically active.
Choose Wisely: Even when you’re in the comfort of your own home, there’s a ton of potential for putting your body and mind through exercises that will do more harm than good. Be sure to do your research first and learn the proper technique for any selected activities. It’s also important to speak with a medical professional prior to making any changes to your exercise routine.
Set Goals: It’s so easy to let a day where no exercise will be done creep up on you. Avoid this feeling by setting up a schedule that works for you and your life. Set goals that are obtainable and don’t go too hard out of the gates. Smaller, yet continuous, goals will keep your motivation up and your spirits higher.
Make Use of the Moment: Many indoor activities require minimal materials and equipment, making them a great way to stay active without having to leave your house. Some examples to consider are yoga and home workouts. Take it one step further and use this time to master a new skill. It’s not only good for the body, but for the mind as well.
- Yoga
- Home workouts
- Learning a new skill or activity
Stay Connected: Physical activity doesn’t always have to solely be done by yourself. Look for ways to stay connected with your friends through exercise. Share what you’re doing, and what your progress has been, to stay motivated and to help them stay encouraged. Working out together doesn’t just create memories, but it helps build a stronger connection between friends.
Nobody ever said getting fit was easy–but with a few simple exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home, you can bring fitness within reach and make a real difference to your health. Start today and stay motivated to stay fit without ever stepping foot in the gym!
