Do you find it difficult to keep yourself physically active as you spend more time at home? Most people will say yes. And there are many reasons for this.
People are working from home, taking care of their families, or just choosing to live and stay within the comfort of their homes for their own reasons.
But how to change the situation? Are there any effective options to stay fit at home? Yes, there are. Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Establish a workout place
The first step in ensuring that you stay physically active is to establish a workout place at home.
You do not need a large area; a corner of your sitting or living room will work. However, this space must be well-equipped, well-lit, and ventilated.
Seek a place where you will be inspired to exercise. Buy yourself a couple of workout essentials such as a yoga mat, resistance bands, and one or two dumbbells. Such tools are versatile and make various workouts more efficient. With most of the exercise equipment within arm’s reach, you won’t need to go to the gym and will save time and money.
Creating a workout spot shows you are serious about working out and is another way of encouraging yourself and boosting your commitment and motivation.
2. Chose an activity you enjoy
One of the important things when it comes to physical activity at home is choosing the kind of activity you love doing. Consider that without being satisfied with what you are doing, you will barely remain motivated and dedicated.
The good news is that there are many options to choose from: dancing, yoga, strength training, and HIIT workouts are suitable for every person. Select an engaging activity that you won’t find boring and go for it.
Consider your interests and preferences. Have you ever danced to your favorite song or did yoga or meditation? For example, you may love to do workouts that are intense or prefer simple bodyweight exercises. The bottom line is this: if you enjoy working out, you will not even realize that you are pushing yourself.
3. Create a workout schedule
The most important thing to do to get and keep fit when working out at home is to be consistent. A workout schedule is one of the best ways to ensure consistency. Your exercise schedule should match your lifestyle and preference so that you will be able to follow it with ease. Whether you are in the mood for calm morning yoga or a midday energy burst workout, there is a time suitable for everyone.
This means that when you create time for your exercises, they will become habitual rather than occasional endeavors. In addition, your schedule should indicate the type of exercise you intend to perform every day. For instance, you can set aside Mondays for cardio exercises, Wednesdays for strength training, and Fridays for yoga practices.
4. Involve your pets
Do you need a motivation for being active at home? Just look at your pets! Having them involved in your workouts will make the whole process more fun-filled.
According to Nuwber, dog owners are more active than cat people, which means that if you want to be more sporty, a canine is a perfect companion for this. Most dogs love to play, run, and explore, so taking them for a short stroll, game fetch, or even jogging around the neighborhood will be good for both of you.
Don’t worry, cat owners, your cats can join you in exercise, too. You can indulge your cat to play with feather wands or a laser pointer, for example, to keep it and yourself active.
Doing your workouts together is not just about being active but also about building and strengthening your relationship with your beloved pets. Therefore, when in search of workout motivation, call on your loving furry buddies and be on your feet.
5. Do bodyweight exercises
Fortunately, you can keep physically active in any place with bodyweight exercises. These exercises use the weight of your own body to develop your muscles, increase flexibility, and strengthen your heart.
There is no need for sophisticated equipment or a health club. Classic routines like squats, pushups, and planks are very effective and can also be tailored to suit everyone’s specific fitness capabilities.
There are various bodyweight exercises that can cater to every fitness beginner. So, why wait? Begin to include them in your daily routine and experience the benefits of fitness from the convenience of your home.
6. Take the stairs instead of using an elevator
For a simple and easy household workout, take the stairs instead of using an elevator. Stair climbing is the best whole-body workout that increases heart rate and strengthens legs, making them strong and improving cardiovascular health.
It’s a low-impact exercise that is good for people of any level of fitness. It is important to note that climbing stairs is free and easily accessible. Therefore, it should not be underrated because this is an available workout for everyone.
7. Track the progress and celebrate milestones
Monitoring your performance and rewarding yourself whenever you achieve the set milestones are among the best incentives to keep yourself motivated. It is crucial to document your fitness progress as a step-by-step journey. This motivates and makes you feel good about yourself.
In this respect, you may adopt different approaches for tracking your improvements, such as keeping a workout journal and applications, among others, or just taking pictures from time to time to observe your physical transformations. Celebrate even the smallest milestones when you reach one. Whether you finish a very hard workout, improve your previous performances, or follow the program for the given time, appreciate your achievements.
Conclusion
We live in the 21st century, and today many options can be implemented for staying active at home. Whether it’s establishing a workout place, choosing an activity you enjoy, creating a workout schedule, involving your pets, doing bodyweight exercises, taking the stairs, or all, the results won’t make you wait.
After you choose what to do, don’t forget to track the progress and celebrate all that you’ve accomplished.
