Don’t like going to the gym, but want to stay fit? Or just don’t have enough time to fight traffic to get some blood pumping?
Home workouts are exactly what the doctor ordered.
But to get the most out of home workouts, you need to set it up the right away.
Gyms might be inconvenient as far as logistics, but they’re usually designed in a way to require minimal decision-making from you. There’s the weight area, yoga mats, and treadmills, and you can switch stations at ease.
Home workouts might save you a ton of time, but you have to be mindful when setting up your equipment, routine, etc.
Read on for five simple tips to make the most of your home workouts.
1. Know Your Fitness Goals
Your ideal gym set up will depend heavily on your goals.
If your main objective is to lose weight, then the type of workouts you will focus on will be somewhat different than if your primary goal was to pack on muscle mass.
But remember, you don’t have to forego other aspects of your fitness completely no matter what your main goal happens to be.
For example, if you wanted to develop a stronger and more muscular upper body, you might choose to focus on exercises like push-ups and pull-ups.
But doing a lot of push-ups and pull-ups will also help you burn more calories, improve metabolism, and promote fat loss.
So, don’t worry about trying to maximize every aspect of your fitness at once, and decide what is your primary objective as far as fitness when setting up your home gym.
You can always add more goals later and make adjustments to your gym accordingly.
2. Research the Right Home Gym Equipment for You
The next step is deciding what type of equipment is most ideal for your fitness goals.
This is also where you must consider other factors like the amount of space you have available, what is your budget, and how much time you have to workout each day, etc.
For example, if you have a couple of hours daily, then you may prefer equipment for longer workouts, like a treadmill, an exercise bike, or even some dumbbells.
But if you’re in a hurry and plan on shorter, more explosive full-body exercises, then kettlebells might be a better bet.
Space is also a factor. You can workout with a kettlebell pretty much anywhere and it won’t take up any significant space.
Treadmills, bikes, benches, etc. all need larger space and you might need to dedicate a room or your garage if you plan on going that route.
There are really no hard and fast rules here (other than the fact that kettlebells are awesome), but these are just a few things to consider so that your fitness routine fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
3. Know Your Ideal Workout Environment
The workout environment in this context means what will keep you most motivated and pumped to get through your workout.
Here are just a few things to consider.
- What to eat and drink before a workout
- How long before a workout you should eat for maximum energy
- What supplements do you like to take
- What kind of music do you like
- Are you a lone wolf or do you prefer group workouts
- Do you need a trainer or coach (there are online ones)
If you want to splurge for some of the higher-end workout machines like Peloton, for example, you can customize your running routes, connect with others who are on a similar fitness path as you, and even join online group fitness classes to stay motivated.
4. A Workout-Friendly Pantry
If you’re going to turn your home into a fitness mecca, then you need a kitchen and pantry that is fitness-friendly.
Try to get rid of sugary and processed junk food and replace them with whole foods like fruits, natural snacks like jerky, whole-grain carbs, etc.
You can also keep some sports supplements like the citrus electrolyte powder from Naked Nutrition.
If you’re going to sweat a lot (which you should if you push yourself), then over time you can lose vital electrolytes like potassium and that can result in muscle cramps and sluggishness. Not just during the workout, but also the rest of the day.
Taking a sports drink before and during your workout will keep you hydrated and full of energy to go that extra mile and reach your goals faster.
5. A Routine You Can Stick to
Finally, you must pick a workout routine that you can stick to. Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to getting significant results.
So, you must create a fitness routine that is enjoyable and compatible with the rest of your life.
When are you most energetic? What is your schedule as far as work and family obligations? When do you like to eat your meals?
These are all questions to ask yourself when deciding what time of the day you will exercise.
Once you decide, set a time when you will workout and make it a solid part of your schedule. Then follow the other tips outlined to build a solid home workout routine and you’ll be in the best shape of your life before you know it.