How many times have you invested in a gym membership, only to have it lapse without getting your money’s worth from it? *raises hand* I cancelled my gym membership a few months ago when I realized that I hadn’t been in the gym for almost a year. Plus, with Covid-19 still around, I didn’t feel comfortable going into a gym.
Although some people thrive in a gym setting, others don’t, and that’s perfectly fine. We are unique individuals with unique personalities, strengths, and time management abilities. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to exercise, and many of them don’t involve a gym. What matters is that you find a way to be fit that you absolutely love. That way, you’ll be more likely to get your exercise in without stressing yourself out about it.
Here are five steps that will help you set up an at-home fitness routine that you’ll love doing.
Invest in fitness equipment
Who needs a gym when you can meet your fitness needs at home? You might like the treadmill or stationary bike, but you’re not that keen about using them in a gym. Save the money from your gym membership and invest in some exercise equipment that you can use at home.
Home exercise systems range in price from affordable to expensive, so it’s really up to you to find the pieces of equipment that your pocketbook can accommodate. You can find some great options on Facebook
Marketplace or Craigslist. Even better, ask your friends whether they know of anyone who wants to sell or give away used but usable equipment.
If you don’t want to invest in larger pieces of equipment, consider getting dumbbells, yoga blocks, resistance bands, straps, and ankle and wrist weights. Then you can check out YouTube videos and the many exercise-related apps that can lead you through at-home workouts.
Or, you can decide to work out without any equipment at all and focus on using your body weight. Think about isometric exercises like planks, push-ups, squats, lunges, and wall sits. All you need is willingness!
Remove the fitness-related stress
Being fit and healthy shouldn’t be stressful. In fact, making exercise a priority will help to reduce your stress. But if you find that you’re obsessing about maintaining a workable fitness regimen, consider setting up a tranquil space where you can do your favorite yoga routine in peace. It might be a hidden corner of your yard, or you could close the door to your home office and get on your yoga mat while letting essential oils diffuse in that space. Instead of being controlled by stress, finding ways to disarm stress will make you feel more relaxed and more likely to exercise daily.
Bring back the fitness fun of your youth
Think about what you loved doing as a younger person. Did you take ballet, jazz, soccer, or gymnastics? Finding a routine based on a form of exercise that you enjoyed during your childhood can bring back fond memories and make it all the more fun. You’ll be amazed at the fitness workouts you can find online that’ll have your blood pumping while bringing a smile to your face!
Take to the outdoors
Who says an at-home workout needs to be IN your home? Get some fresh air by walking, jogging, running, or cycling in your neighborhood or local park. Put on rollerblades. Take your kids to the park and play with a frisbee. Hike somewhere close to your home that you’ve always meant to explore. All that’s required is finding an activity that keeps you moving while you enjoy the sun and fresh air of the great outdoors.
Dive right in
There’s no denying that swimming is one of the best overall exercises for the body. If you live somewhere hot or have access to an indoor pool, you can certainly maintain your fitness habits by regularly going for a swim. Swimming is particularly beneficial if you have joint pain. The water provides a supportive, weightless environment that lessens the pain of movement. Swimming also tones the supporting muscles but doesn’t create the level of discomfort that other forms of exercise might induce.
There are plenty more ways to make at-home fitness work for you. I’ve been dabbling again with Pilates, using this video I found on YouTube. Check it out! But the key is to choose a form of exercise that is fun for you and keeps you moving.
What are some of your favorite non-gym forms of exercise? Which ones do you intend to focus on in this new year?
Hi Alison
Thank you for publishing this article. If you have the equipment to exercise at home, you can exercise at any time at your convenience. You don’t have to worry about keeping your body healthy and strong, you save time and money. Everyone should exercise at home during the Corona epidemic. I exercise at home myself
Anisur recently posted…Exercise Bike VS Treadmill with Pros & Cons
Hi Alison
Thank you for publishing this wonderful article. There are many women who work all day but don’t take care of themselves, this way they get sick. Everyone should take care of their body. If the body is healthy, we can be happy. Reading your writing will allow any woman to take time out to exercise and will be inspired to exercise to keep the body healthy. I will tell all the women I know to read your writing and make it a routine to exercise at home.
Anisur recently posted…TOE Spread Run Treadmill Review with Pros and Cons
Thank you very much!