One of the nicest things about exercising at home is that it can take less time. Squeeze it in using these tips.
Making time to exercise and keeping it high on your priority list is tough enough, but when you add on showering, changing, traveling and paying expensive gym fees, working out can seem like more of a hassle than it’s worth. That’s why getting fit at home is worth considering.
Many corporate higher-ups have a morning routine. Everyone is trying to “stop the glorification of busy” and practice more mindful living by incorporating meditation or even a quick, seven-minute workout in the morning.
Find Web Videos
Once you’ve figured out what kind of workout works best for you—something we’ve covered in this column previously— then it’s time to figure out where to exercise. If you are an experienced yoga practitioner, why not try a yoga web series at home? It is less expensive, you don’t waste time running to and from the studio, and there’s no line for the shower once you’ve finished your workout.
Use An App
The 7 Minute Workout app by Bytesize is a great tool to use if you are just starting to exercise at home. This well-rounded workout gets your blood pumping and gives you a nice sweat first thing in the morning. If you are feeling tough, you might decide to squeeze in a second workout at night while watching television.
Schedule It
One of the hardest things about deciding to exercise at home is actually doing it. People feel extremely comfortable in their homes and can get easily distracted.
Make the time—whether it’s seven minutes or two hours—by actually scheduling it on your calendar, just like you would a gym class with a start and end time.
Create an Ideal Space
In addition to finding the time to fit in an at-home workout, it is equally important to create a space that is appropriate for whatever kind of exercise you’re doing.
Maybe you need a mat or a couple free weights, or maybe you have a pesky rug that needs to be moved out of the way. Managing your space before you start working out is important for your success. Creating a space that pumps you up, calms you down or puts you in the mood to move is part of starting any new health ritual.
Try the 50/10 Rule
If working out at home is not something you think you will ever be able to integrate into your day-to-day life, try working out at work or school.
This can be harder to do, but spreading your workout throughout your day or during breaks can also be an effective scheduling tool. Try the 50/10 rule—do something for 50 minutes out of an hour, but for that other 10 minutes, do squats, jumping jacks or pushups.
As always, check with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any kind of new workout routine.
