I was really excited when My Fit List asked me for tips for people working out at home. Not only do I work out quite a few of my clients in their homes, I also do the majority of my workouts at home too! I’m usually pressed for time to fit in a workout so even if it’s 10pm on a Monday night, I can always squeeze in 30 minutes at home. Read on for the article published in the November 2011 issue of Austin Woman Magazine.
Fitness at Home
Equip your space with tips from the pros.
By Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich
One of the most common reasons people struggle to be consistent with a fitness routine is because they feel there just isn’t enough time in the day. A great way to make fitness easier and more convenient is to workout at home. A fitness space at home can make all the difference if you actually use it. Below are some helpful tips, equipment recommendations and things you need to know about creating your own fitness space.
First, think to a time when you were in a good fitness groove. Try to identify why you were so successful. Were you excited about a new activity? Were you doing something intense that challenged your mind and body? By figuring this out, you can create a space that fosters those feelings at home.
Just like any fitness activity, working out from home is not perfect for everyone. Here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros
- Convenience: If you’re short on time, working out at home eliminates wasted prep and travel.
- Flexibility: Your home is open anytime!
- Privacy: You don’t have to worry about what to wear and you won’t feel self-conscious trying a new move or dance class.
- No Monthly Fees: You may need to invest in a few pieces of equipment up-front, but your costs will be low after that.
Cons
- No Social Aspect: You may miss the social aspect of heading to the gym or a class.
- No Coaching: If you’re new to working out, you may need coaching on proper form, intensity and types of exercises to do.
- Motivation: even though the “gym” is just steps away, it can be a challenge to get motivated to workout as long or as hard as if you were in a group setting.
- Distractions: There are so many more distractions at home than at the gym that can keep you from working out (kids, work, laundry, etc.).
Equip Your Space
Here are some basic pieces of fitness equipment that will help get you started on a home workout routine:
- yoga mat
- stability ball
- medicine ball (6 to 8 pounds)
- 7-inch core workout ball
- kettlebell or a set of hand weights ranging from 2 to 15 pounds
- foam roller
- resistance bands
- library of training aids such as FitDeck Exercise Playing Cards, The Yoga Deck, fitness magazines and videos
- iPod dock to play music or audio trainer downloads
- full-length mirror
Tips From the Pros
Christine Tusa specializes in helping her clients find simple and fun fitness solutions to improve their image, functional strength and overall health. Find her online at tusafitness.com. Tusa suggests the following:
- Find a way to make your workouts enjoyable and fun to make this part of your lifestyle. We do not stick with the things we do not find pleasure in.
- Be honest with yourself and your goals. There is no quick fix or magic pill. be aware there are a lot of false promises on the market today. Patience and consistency will help you reach your goals.
- For flatter abs, workout in your sports bra without a shirt. You’ll have motivation for sucking in your abs during your entire workout.
Liana Mauro is the founder of Mauro Pilates and works with her clients to help them recover from injuries, target and tone trouble areas, and improve athletic performance. Find her online atmauropilates.com. Mauro suggests the following:
- Schedule your session. Just because you’re working out at home doesn’t mean you’ll make it a priority. Put it on your calendar, don’t allow yourself to miss it and make sure you have your time planned.
- Set goals. make goals and track your progress. If you’re not achieving the results you want, make a change. Your workouts should be making a difference.
- Remember this is for your health. And don’t forget how important that is. Sure, we all want that perfect body, but at the end of the day, incorporating exercise in to your life can make all the difference in the world as to your quality of life. If you have no idea where to start and you’re intimidated at the prospect, please hire outside help. You are worth it!
- The best fitness routines are the ones that are convenient, challenging and fun. You’re more likely to make fitness a lifestyle if you enjoy it, so explore the options out there and find something that’s right for you. Consistency creates results and a convenient home workout space can make fitness that much easier.
Visit us online at myfitlist.com/blog for more tips from the pros, equipment recommendations, workout resources and more.
Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich, the gals who created myfitlist.com, do the grunt work for you. Well, the organizational grunt work, anyway. They work hard to connect people with the fitness groups, information and resources they need so they can grunt, sweat and tone to achieve their personal goals.
