How to Motivate Yourself for an At-Home Workout
We have all been there—we want to be in better shape, but there is always something standing in our way. We either do not have time, lack money, or are too embarrassed to work out in public. There is a solution to that—working out at home. It sounds great because it’s free, no one is there to judge us, and it’s in the comfort of our safe space. But what happens when this becomes boring or too easy to quit? When we have to pay for a gym, get ready and go to a location, we might be more inclined to move. However, getting off the couch when you are super comfortable and cozy may be more complicated than it seems. Find motivation for home workout yourself by following some practical and simple steps that will keep you on track with the results you need!
Start by Setting Some Goals
Before you start your at-home workout, think about what you want to accomplish. Are you working out because you want to be healthy and fit, gain muscle, or work on your cardio? Indeed, there are so many reasons that can be a motivation for home workout, that are all valid. But setting a goal will make it easier to stick to it when we are tempted to quit. Your goal may be an upcoming race, fitting into a dress, or lowering your cholesterol levels. Whatever the case, you might find it helpful to write these goals down and put them in a visible area so you can be reminded of them daily. So, if you ever feel like quitting or skipping a day, those goals will make you push through.
Set Up a Workout Area
Set up an area to motivate yourself for an at-home workout
Depending on the size of your home, you will find an appropriate space that works for you and is not in the way. Ideally, you want it to be in an area where you can keep your equipment and have enough space to place an exercise mat. It might become frustrating after a while if you have to keep putting away your equipment and setting it up for each workout. And you know how it usually goes—out of sight, out of mind. But if your equipment is in your designated area, it will start calling your name every time you pass by and it will be more difficult to ignore. In addition to that, you will condition yourself to work out in that particular area, and it will become second nature after a while.
What if Your Place is Too Small
If you can’t find room in your home or your family is always in the way, take into account areas like the basement or the attic. When the weather is nice, work out in your backyard. This is an excellent idea that will give you more space and more air. You will also be surrounded by greenery, enabling you to destress. If you have a garage that you are not using to park your car, reconsider this space and think of converting the garage into a gym. Many possibilities are available to you if you only use your imagination and put a little effort into reorganizing certain areas of your home.
Schedule a Time to Motivate Yourself for an At-Home Workout
Let’s face it—if you don’t want to do something, you will find hundreds of reasons not to do it. One of the most common excuses is not having enough time in the day. Not to say that this is not a valid excuse. Our lives have become extremely hectic, and everyone is overworked. But if you designate a time in the day for a workout, after a while, you will move things around, so you don’t miss it.
Setting aside a time for your workout will keep you going
If you take a look at your daily schedule, you will be able to squeeze in a workout at least three times a week. It may seem impossible at first, but as working out boosts endorphins and makes us more energetic, this alone will make you want to return to the workout whenever you can. You will realize that you want to wake up before work and do yoga or do your cardio session after the kids have gone to sleep. Remember that your workout time does not have to be at the same time every day. If you are a creature of habit, consistency will work for you. However, if your schedule is more hectic, you can plan on a daily basis and squeeze in a workout between meetings, driving the kids to practice, or when you have an appointment cancellation.
Variety Will Keep You Motivated
Unless you are the type of person that hates any kind of change, doing the same thing over and over again will get old fast. Think of all the different types of exercises and workout routines out there—they are endless. And, all of them can serve as a motivation for home workout. Experiment and figure out what you like and try new things, every once in a while, to motivate yourself for an at-home workout. This will keep you on your toes, and you will be excited about what’s coming for the next workout.
Use free online resources to give your workout variety
Free online resources are limitless. Also you can opt for numerous paid memberships on apps or online personalized workout programs. If you prefer a routine, consider setting up a weekly plan for yourself. For instance, Mondays are for cardio, so you can go for a run or a bike ride outside. Wednesdays, you do strength training to a YouTube video on your TV or tablet,. Fridays are for core, and Sundays, you relax with a yoga practice.
Remember, you do not need any equipment to find motivation for home workout. Bodyweight, online resources, and a few improvised props will keep you in shape. On the other hand, if you want to go all out and get dumbbells, resistance bands, or a full Pilates reformer—that is absolutely available to you. Keep in mind that you should always practice caution and consult a professional if you have any medical issues that might be exacerbated by unsupervised exercise. Always start slowly, get to know your limits, and build up strength and endurance for more advanced forms of workout.