When the pandemic hit, gyms closed their doors and fitness enthusiasts had to pivot their workout routines to home setups. Since then, working out from home has become the new normal. But staying consistent with your home workouts can be a challenge.
How do you maintain that motivation without the atmosphere of a gym or fitness studio? We’ve got five practical techniques to keep you on track with your fitness goals right from the comfort of your living room.
Join a Fitness Class Online
One of the biggest perks of the digital age is the accessibility of online fitness classes. From yoga to HIIT to dance workouts, there’s something for everyone. Joining an online fitness classes online can provide structure and accountability to your workouts.
You get to follow along with an instructor, which can help ensure you’re doing exercises correctly and safely. Many platforms offer on-demand classes, allowing you to choose a time that works best for your schedule.
Getting started is as easy as signing up for a trial and finding a class that piques your interest. You don’t have to worry about commute times or gym memberships. Everything you need is right there, online.
Set Realistic Goals for Home Workouts
When it comes to staying consistent with home workouts, setting realistic goals is crucial. Start by assessing your current fitness level and determining what you want to achieve. Set SMART goals; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
For instance, if you’re aiming to build strength, you could set a goal to complete three strength training sessions per week. If weight loss is your target, a goal might be to lose one pound per week through a combination of exercise and healthy eating.
Create a Consistent Schedule
Creating a consistent workout schedule is one of the most effective ways to make home workouts a habit. Choose specific days and times for your workouts and stick to them. Treat these time slots as important appointments that you cannot miss.
Having a routine helps signal to your brain that it’s time to exercise. Over time, this can make working out feel as natural as brushing your teeth or making your morning coffee. If you typically struggle with sticking to a schedule, set reminders on your phone or calendar.
Have Variety in Home Workouts
Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your workout routine. Doing the same exercises can lead to boredom and plateauing. Mixing up your workouts keeps things exciting and challenges different muscle groups, helping you avoid plateaus.
Incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, flexibility exercises, and fun activities like dancing or hiking. Try different workout formats, such as circuit training, interval training, or sport-specific drills. This not only keeps you engaged but also ensures a well-rounded fitness regime.
Overcome Common Challenges and Stay Motivated
Even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts face challenges. Whether it’s lack of motivation, time constraints, or limited equipment, these hurdles can disrupt your fitness journey. Recognizing these challenges and having strategies to overcome them is vital.
For motivation, remind yourself of why you started. Create a vision board or keep a journal to visualize your goals and progress. If time is an issue, opt for shorter, high-intensity workouts that can be done in 20-30 minutes.
If equipment is limited, focus on bodyweight exercises or consider investing in a few versatile pieces like resistance bands or dumbbells.