When you are trying to get into the habit of exercising at home, I recommend starting with the basics.
1. Find a space in your home that is exercise friendly or can be easily converted.
You will want enough space to spin at least 360 with your arms outstretched. Think about the type of exercise you would like to do at home and what you will need.
For example:
- If you plan on doing yoga or anything on the floor you may prefer having an exercise mat.
- If you are interested in building strength, you might eventually want equipment like resistance bands and free weights.
Keep in mind you can get a great workout at home with minimal space and little to no equipment.
2. Wear comfortable clothing that breathes well.
Your clothing should be functional, allowing you to move without restriction. Uncomfortable clothing can be a total distraction. Get yourself something that makes you feel good.
3. Find movement activities you enjoy that can be done at home (dance, circuit training, stationary bike.
When you look forward to something, the chances are that you will be more consistent. Exercise is not a punishment. See if there is an activity you can do for 30 minutes a day that will make you want to celebrate movement.
4. Decide how often you can commit to exercising per week.
It is very helpful to think about your fitness goal and determine how many days a week you can realistically commit to exercising at home. If you are new to exercise, you might start with once or twice a week. When you are able to successfully commit to your schedule for a month, try adding a day.
5. Save helpful exercise resources that you can refer to.
You can find a variety of free exercise guidance from qualified professionals in every style of fitness. Do your research and find knowledgeable instructors who offer the guidance you can use along your fitness journey. Search Google, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. Find the format that works best for you. Check out My YouTube channel and consider signing up for My Exercise Membership.
6. Plan your exercise routines for the week ahead of time.
Decide what elements of fitness you want to work on each week. Determine whether you will follow along to a video, write down the circuit, print something out, or go off of memory. Make it easy for yourself and plan your workouts ahead of time.
7. Put it on your calendar
When it’s on your calendar you have made a date with yourself. You are in the position to hold yourself accountable for what you wrote down. Seeing your exercise schedule gives you the chance to create necessary boundaries and ensure that your needs are met. You can keep track of your progress more easily and you will feel accomplished looking back and motivated to move forward.
Kai Simon is a certified personal trainer with over 10 years of experience.
