The gym can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for many people. It’s easy to feel judged, uncomfortable, or even embarrassed when you begin working out surrounded by strangers.
Staying in shape is extremely important to your health and well-being. After all, life insurance for overweight individuals costs more than for those who are physically fit. The price increase stems from possible health risks associated with obesity.
At-home workouts can be the perfect solution for people who may not want to attend their local gym but still stay in shape. However, you might not always find the same motivation working out in the comfort of your house as you would at the gym.
So how can you get the most out of your home workout? Let’s find out.
Why is it harder to stay motivated at home?
Before learning how you can have the best at-home workout, it’s essential to understand why achieving this can be so challenging at home.
The simple answer is comfort. There is likely no place in the world you feel more comfortable in than in your own home. Whether you work out in your living room or bedroom, you are still spending your fitness time surrounded by furniture you likely picked for its comfort level.
While you’re working hard, you may catch a glimpse of your couch from the corner of your eye. When you are in your own house, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll take a quick break and then get back at it.
Getting back at it may never come. Once you’ve made yourself comfortable, you’re less likely to get back up and finish your workout. This is the most significant difference between the gym and your home. You would not have those comforts attending the gym, pushing you to finish your workout and earn the comfort of your couch.
It may be tempting to quit and relax when working out from home, but you can keep yourself motivated with the proper steps.
Write Down Your Fitness Goals
There’s something about writing a goal down on paper that makes it seem more real. This idea can apply to your fitness goals as well. Many people have opted to create fun and colorful charts mapping out their weight loss or training goals.
A simple online search can provide some inspiration for you to create your own. Once you have written down what you hope to achieve, hang it somewhere easily seen. This will help you remember what you are working toward and motivate you to finish your workouts.
Once you’ve reached goals, be sure to write them down. Tracking your progress is just as important as writing down your goals. On days you may feel like you’re losing motivation, you can look back on your progress to see how far you’ve come.
Find a Workout Partner to Hold You Accountable
Even if you prefer working out alone, having a fitness buddy to keep you motivated can be a great way not to lose track of your goals — from exercise routines to drinking enough water. You might have a friend who is hoping to get in shape just like you. Or you may find an online community of others who will support you.
No matter where you find your workout partner, having someone to hold you accountable is an excellent way to keep you working toward your fitness goals. You can schedule weekly check-ins with your accountability partner to ensure that you’re following your workouts and staying motivated.
Having a partner through the process can be a significant mental boost. Since you know someone is counting on you and eager to hear about your progress, you will likely want to push yourself and do your best.
A pet can be a good workout partner. Dogs love to go on walks, and even cats need exercise. Working out with a pet can help you stick to a workout goal, especially if the pet gets used to the routine and reminds you.
Earn Rewards as You See Progress
Creating a rewards system for yourself can keep you motivated to stay on track with your home workouts. The reward method can tie directly into your goal list. When you hit a goal on your tracker, create a reward to coincide with it.
You can start with small goals for minor progress you have made and increase rewards further in your fitness journey. Rewards can be anything you choose, so feel free to get creative with things you really think will motivate you.
Create a Routine to Stay Motivated
It’s easy at the end of a long day to say you’re too tired to complete your workout. Once again, your comfortable couch is likely calling your name. And it probably sounds a lot better than breaking a sweat after a tiring day.
Forming a routine with a set time frame to exercise each day can help you avoid the temptation to put workouts off. Even if you’re not able to set exact times, you can still create a routine when you work out. For example, the first thing in the morning may be the most effective time for you.
You don’t have to set an exact time to begin working out each morning. Instead, you could simply begin whenever you wake up. The important thing is that you are sticking to a morning workout routine to keep you motivated, on track, and getting the most from your at-home activities.
Create a Designated Workout Area
If you have space in your home, try to make an area specifically for exercise. Rather than rearranging your living room every time you want to complete a workout, you can have a space ready to go when you are.
You can opt for an unused space such as an empty bedroom or basement, your garage, or even an outdoor area if the weather permits. Your home workout space can be anywhere you feel comfortable and focused in your house.
Not only does having a designated area make working out more accessible, but it can also help you not to lose your motivation. Rather than looking at your comfortable couch from the corner of your eye, you will be in a space meant for exercise. This can deter you from getting distracted and make it easier to complete your workout.
Getting the Most Working Out at Home
Staying active is a key factor in staying healthy and losing weight. There are countless ways to incorporate physical fitness into your daily routine through workouts and exercise. Working out in the comfort of your home can be a great alternative for those who don’t feel comfortable going to the gym or struggle to find the time.
Although staying on track and motivated at home can be challenging, following these steps can help you get the most out of your at-home workout.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the life insurance comparison site, EffortlessInsurance.com. She frequently works out from the comfort of her own home and enjoys sharing tips so others can do the same.
Last Updated on 11 months by Evan White