With many gyms being closed and the winter weather driving us into hibernation, many of us are trying to figure out how to stay fit at home. If a membership to a fancy gym or workout studio is too rich for your blood, here’s what you need to get started with a successful home fitness routine.
A Virtual Workout Guru
Most of us make more progress when we have someone to guide us and cheer us on. But that person doesn’t necessarily have to be in the room, and they don’t have to be expensive! There are thousands of YouTube videos that you can access for FREE.
A few of my favorite YouTube channels are Bodyfit by Amy, Sydney Cummings Houdyshell, Juice & Toya, and Tracy Steen. I like these four because they offer a lot of variety, and dozens of videos in the 30-minute range, which is my preference.
Use these as a starting point, but there are many other great channels to check out.
The right space
If you have a spare area in your home to call your own, create a cushioned surface with a foam mat. Interlocking mats ($69.99 and up, Amazon) are handy because you can customize the square footage to your space. My husband and I recently converted a small room into a workout room, and these mats from Velotas are holding up well. A yoga mat or thick workout mat is a good way to go if your workout space needs to be convertible.
Workout Clothes
You might think you’re just working out at home, so why wear anything special? Think again.
“Gearing up in clothing designed for you to work out is one of the most powerful reminders to get into your fitness practice,” said Tara Mackey, health expert, author of “Cured By Nature” and founder of The Organic Life blog. “When I was starting to change my exercise habits, I simply left my workout clothes and running shoes out by my bed the night before. This becomes an automatic reminder to make fitness a priority — first thing in the morning.”
Home Workout Equipment
No matter what kind of workouts you prefer, it’s wise to stock up on a few essential pieces of equipment so you’re ready to take on a workout when the mood strikes. A good place to start is with a few sets of dumbbells. I’ve had good luck with the Yes4All brand on Amazon ($13.50 and up), which are coated with neoprene and available in 2-20 pounds. My husband and I have also added kettlebells, various bands, a punching bag, a bench, an exercise bike, and an easy-to-store treadmill to our collection.
Athletic Recovery Products
On super-motivated days, go hard, but take good care of yourself. When I feel sore after a workout, I use the CBD MD Broad Spectrum CBD Recover Cream ($39.99 and up, CBDMD.com) Or, if you prefer a roll-on, try the Broad Spectrum CBD Freeze Roller ($39.99 and up). And for those days when you don’t feel like doing anything at all, do a little something to keep your muscles engaged. And get back to it tomorrow.
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