A Beginner’s Guide to Working Out at Home!
It is the beginning of a new year and just like every other year, people all around the world have resolved to lead healthier lives. Most people plan to workout. Some even go as far as registering with gyms but never get around to using their memberships. Who can blame them really? With work and life demands in general, squeezing in even 30 minutes of exercise each day can become a major challenge.
We must keep in mind though that exercising is not a luxury, it is literally a necessity for a healthy lifestyle. Working out does not have to be a massive production either. You can work out from the comfort of your home or squeeze in short exercise sessions throughout the day at your workplace. The key to an effective exercise routine is consistency, whether it’s done at home or at the gym.
We have put together this guide to help you get started on your fitness journey. Whether you have very little space to spare or an entire room to convert to an at-home gym, we’ve got you covered. These solutions are especially useful during this pandemic where a lot of people work from home and are isolated from the general public.
Workout Apps
If you are like me and you need some motivation to get your work out on, then this is a good option. There are work out apps for all sorts of exercise routines: from high intensity to low impact work outs. To make it even better, some apps combine all of them and you just make your pick.
A personal favourite is Down Dog App.
YouTube
YouTube has made working out at home super easy. The best thing about it is that you do not have to pay a dime! All you need is internet connection which I assume you have if you are reading this. With thousands of videos to choose from, it is a “home work out paradise’!
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat, simply put, is a workout staple. A lot of workouts which can be done at home require it, unless you prefer the cold, hard floor. Yoga, pilates, HIIT workouts etc usually require you to lie down on your back or your belly and trust me, you want to do this on a cushioned surface.
Cork yoga mats are generally a safe bet. They are anti-microbial and mostly non-slip.
Treadmill:
Owning a treadmill is a dream come true if you need to combine working out with other important activities such as catching up on your favourite Netflix show, listening to a podcast or making an important phone call. It’s also great if you love running and cannot be bothered to do it outside on a rainy day or just because.
What’s more, you can track your progress by syncing your treadmill with your fitness tracker.
Battle Ropes
Battle ropes are slowly becoming the superstar of workout equipment and targets a good number of areas including arms, core and thighs. They are ideal for larger spaces like a garage, a basement or a garden. All you have to do is install them and you can start making waves!
Fitness Mirror:
Fitness mirrors are like workout apps streamed on full size mirrors. They are a must-have for at home workout enthusiasts and are a worthy investment if you absolutely need that “gym class” experience at home.
Classes are streamed just as you would with your phone but there is the added advantage of keeping an eye on your posture.
Stationary Bike:
A stationary bike is another easy way to work out from the comfort of your home. It has been tried and tested and millions of people can attest to its effectiveness. A stationary bike would be a great addition to a home gym or just a solo home exercise equipment. This is as great a choice as any!
Rowing Machines:
If low impact, full body-work outs are your thing then a rowing machine may just be your new best friend. A good rowing session targets all the major areas and is an effective cardio and strength training workout. You can’t go wrong with a rowing machine.
Fitness Tracker:
If you are like me and need to keep track of your progress then this is a great work out accessory! Fitness trackers let you watch and record your heart rate, daily burned calories, etc. This helps you stick to an exercise routine and makes your workout goals more achievable.
