It’s been almost 10 years since I started working out at home. Making the decision was easy, it was the follow through that is always the hardest.
Working out at home gives you great flexibility to do your workout on your time without the need to spend time driving to and from the gym or spending money on an expensive membership.
However, it also gives you all the excuses in the book to not get your workout done… the kids are crying, laundry needs to be done, dishes are dirty, we need groceries, literally anything you can think of can be used as an excuse to put it off until later or the next day.
Don’t get me wrong… over the past 9 years, I’ve used every excuse in the book to not get my workout done. I’ve also used every excuse in the book to get it done. I’ve also learned a few tips and tricks along the way.
Today I wanted to share with you all the ways I’ve learned to set a foundation for how to start working out from home. Either because you don’t have the time or money for the gym or you just feel more comfortable working out at home.
Whatever it is, starting an at-home fitness routine shouldn’t be hard so I’m here to make it a little easier for you.
Designate a Workout Space
You don’t have to have a big space to have an effective workout but having a space makes it easier to commit to getting it done. You just need a little space to store all your equipment so you have it all handy when you’re ready to workout instead of lugging in it from the closet or wherever.
When we lived in Michigan I had a workout room in my basement. It was the same room that my kids played in and also the same room as the guest bed. I just had a little corner behind the door to store all my workout equipment and then a small space in the room to get my workout done.
Now, in the new house, we have a sitting area in out master bedroom that I utilize as my workout area. I have baskets for all my bands and slides and stuff. Then my weights are on a stand in the corner. If the hubby is sleeping, then I can do my workout in the office if I need to.
Find Workout Videos or Apps you Love
There are a ton of workout vides you can find on the internet. Personally I workout with Beachbody on Demand but you can find free workouts on YouTube or even download a few apps to guide you. I wrote a post here about all my favorite workout apps.
When you’re looking for a workout video, look for one that has a lot of variety – HIIT training, weightlifting, yoga or pilates, and mixes up the intensity. You can also find videos that use little to no equipment if you’re just starting out and don’t have much yet.
Build it into Your Routine
In order for your workout to be effective you need to build it into your daily habits. Schedule the time like anything else you put on your calendar. Don’t let the excuses of the day interfere with you daily commitment.
I never used to schedule my workout time and I realized that I have to because it’s the only way I’ll get it done. So I put it on my to-do list every day along with all the other blog work that I have to do.
I usually try and workout first thing in the morning after dropping the kiddos off to school and before getting the other two up. Then it’s done and out of the way before I get into the busyness of the day.
Get an Accountability Partner
Find a friend that wants to workout too or get healthier. Text each other daily to make sure you stay on track. Or find one of the thousands of Facebook groups to join. You can also have skype dates with friends if you live far but want to workout together. Just turn on Skype and your video and push and encourage each other through it.
Invest in Equipment
Of course you don’t need to go out and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on workout equipment right out of the gate, but just browse Amazon or target and get a set of resistance bands and a yoga mat.
You can check out my shop here to see what I use every day.
You can always upgrade and add as time goes on but having a few essential pieces will keep you from making excuses because you don’t have anything.
Buy New Workout Clothes
Nothing motivates me more to workout than new workout gear. I’m not even sure why… no one but my family sees it. Head to TJ Maxx or Target and get a couple new workout leggings and tops to get you started.
Starting a new routine at home doesn’t have to be hard or daunting. Just follow these few tips for how to start working out at home and you’ll be in the groove in no time.
