In these unpredictable times, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and lead an active lifestyle. Staying or working at home shouldn’t stop you from doing that. With some organization and a good routine, staying motivated with your home workouts isn’t as hard as most people think.
The following tips can help you stay on track and avoid apathy when it comes to exercising regularly.
Designate your workout space
“Allocate a particular area for exercising. It could be a full home gym or just a corner of your living room or bedroom where you can fit an exercise mat and your gear. This will save you time and prevent distractions. Even if you don’t have any particular exercise gear, you can use various everyday household items or your own body weight. When you are into meditation and relaxation, know that it is important to know assisted stretching health benefits and it would be great to have a personal space all set with mat and yoga stuff – as an example, you may find a cork yoga mat for sale online.”
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Set up your plan and goals
One of the primary steps to take to boost your motivation is to keep in mind why exercise is a priority. Set up a plan and write down your fitness goals. Post them in a visible place so you can remind yourself every day.
Since each body and mind are different, vary your exercises for each day of the week, ranging from cardio, strength training and stretching. Set up a schedule and time frame bearing in mind your work schedule and family obligations. When it’s time for your workout sessions, even if it’s just 20 minutes, devote yourself fully to it and do your best to never skip a session.
Dress for success
More than ever before, wearing spandex almost anywhere has become perfectly acceptable as comfort has been given the same importance as good looks. Even when you work out at home, take advantage of this trend and treat yourself with high-quality, trendy leggings that will support your workout and give you a stylish look. Sometimes just wearing great workout gear can boost your motivation to exercise.
Switch up your workouts
Repeating the same routine every week can be dreary and uninspiring. You’ll have better chances at sticking to your home workout routine if you switch things up occasionally.
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Spice up your conventional cardio by running up and down the stairs in between two weight lifting sessions. When the weather’s nice, do some laps in your yard or neighborhood. You can even set up a training course with stations in your backyard with kettlebells, weights, jumping rope and exercise bands. Then, at weekends, after your body feels sore, do some Pilates or yoga as a reward.
Pump up the volume
Recent research shows there’s a link between your ears and feet that boosts your efficiency. That’s why music is an important part of any workout routine. The right tune and beat can help make your workout more powerful and push you to keep going even if there’s a little voice in your head telling you to quit.
Track your progress
Regardless of your workout goal – losing weight, building muscle, or improving overall health- tracking your progress can be instrumental in staying consistent. There are lots of different ways you can do this – health or fitness apps, progress pictures, food logs, or journal entries – whatever helps you stay focused and persistent.
Reward yourself
For some people, vague goals such as weight control or better health are sufficient to stay motivated, but if it doesn’t cut it for you, create a more tangible goal you can work towards – a treat such as a healthy smoothie afterward or a few episodes of your favorite TV show.
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You need to create something scientists describe as a neurological habit loop, which involves triggering the behavior (packing your workout essentials), the routine (making it through the workout) and then getting the reward. This extrinsic reward is very powerful as it causes your brain to latch on to it and perceive the behavior as worthwhile. It also increases the chances of your routine becoming a habit.
In time, the motivation will become intrinsic, as your brain begins to link the pain and sweat with the endorphin surge that causes you to feel pumped when you exercise. Once you’ve conditioned your brain to perceive the workout as the reward, you won’t even desire the reward in the end.
The best way to stay motivated to work out at home is to find a routine that not only suits your needs but you also enjoy, so working out won’t feel like work. Then, stay consistent until you form a habit. Surely, there will be moments when the couch would be irresistibly inviting after a long day, but sinking into it and kicking your feet up will feel much more satisfying after you’ve earned it.
