If you’re anything like me, as soon as this quarantine/lockdown/social distancing situation happened, you lost any sense of a routine. The first few weeks or so that I was at home, I didn’t know what to do with myself and every day just felt like Groundhog Day.
I needed that feeling to end, like ASAP, because it was awful for my mental health! I like to have somewhat of a routine and I am a huge fan of planning ahead and scheduling my days. So after a few weeks of mourning my college graduation, binge-watching television, and playing hours of the new animal crossing game, I started to workout from home to establish some sort of normalcy in my days and get excited… because after all, exercise give you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. (I could quote Legally Blonde all day here)
I like to workout from home for a few reasons. First, you cut out the travel time of having to go to the gym/workout studio and back. Second, you can run to the shower immediately after to shower off any sweat and wash your face. And finally, I seriously hate working out in front of other people! No one needs to see me that sweaty and disheveled, EVER! Unless it’s a power yoga or spin class in the DARK.
So whether you’re a beginner at learning to workout from home or have dabbled in the art of a Blogilates video here and there, here are my best tips for working out at home. I also included some CUTE workout clothes and essentials to inspire you.
1. Stay Hydrated
So, this should be a no-brainer. You need to stay hydrated every day, but especially if you’re going to be working out because you’re sweating and losing all that water. I personally love plain water, (it’s my favorite drink haha) but if you are someone who can’t stand the taste of it by itself, there’s a lot of different ways to ‘spice’ it up.
- Add fruit and herbs! We have a mint plant in our backyard, and it’s so nice to just snip off a few leaves and add to your drink. I’ve also been recently loving a combo of sliced lemon and fresh strawberries – it’s like all-natural sugar-free strawberry lemonade.
- Download a water reminder app. I used to use the app Plant Nanny for this purpose. You can set up how often you want it to remind you to drink water, and create different size water amounts to add to your daily water intake. For example, if you have a 24oz water bottle, you can make that an amount on the app. Also, every time you drink water, you water your virtual plant and it grows. So cute.
- Get a cute water bottle! I don’t know about you, but drinking water out of a pretty or aesthetically pleasing glass or a bottle just makes it more fun. Plus, you can customize with stickers to make it your own.
- Bring on the bubbly. If you’re a soda addict, this one’s for you. Love Sprite? Try sparkling water with lemon and lime slices. It’s basically the same thing. Plus, sparkling water is fancier.
2. Try new things to beat boredom
I know a lot of people will get on a fitness kick and follow the same YouTube workout video every day, then get frustrated that nothing’s changing. I don’t know why they do it! I get so bored watching the same thing over and over again, and fitness videos are no exception.
Trying new workouts and new workout videos not only will keep you on your toes, but it also will help work different parts of your body so you can actually see results. Ever heard the saying “don’t skip leg day?” The same principle applies here. You can’t work out the same body part every day and expect to see results all over! Plus, if you watch the same video every day you know exactly what to expect and it gets repetitive. Here are some examples of (totally free) Youtube workout videos that work different parts of the body and include different workout styles:
There’s such a huge community of fitness instructors on Youtube that you’re sure to find something new to do each day. I personally love barre, HIIT, pilates, and yoga-inspired workouts because I find them the best for sculpting and toning.
3. Keep all your workout equipment in a set place
This one’s huge! How are you supposed to workout from home and feel motivated if your yoga mat is in your bedroom, weights are in the garage, and booty bands are thrown across the room? You’re not.
I recommend setting up a designated workout space/area so to keep all of your equipment and accessories in. For me, that’s my living room. I keep a basket behind the couch filled with my pilates ring, booty bands, hand weights, resistance bands, yoga mat, etc. That way I know everything has a place and it will be exactly where I left it when I go to workout again. You could also keep it all in a cute gym bag!
4. Workout apps and subscriptions might keep you motivated
This isn’t for everyone, but I’ve personally found that subscribing to a workout service keeps me motivated to workout since I’m paying for it. Don’t get me wrong, free youtube workouts are GREAT and effective! However, because I pay for my online workout studio, I want to make sure I’m getting my money’s worth, and it makes me workout more.
Right now, I use BBFit Studio by Bailey Brown. She has the perfect mix of toning, sculpting, and both HIIT and low-impact cardio workouts that use fun, innovative equipment like the pilates circle and resistance band. She posts workout schedules and it’s so easy to follow along.
I’ve also heard good things about Melissa Wood Health and p.volve workouts, but personally haven’t tried them because I love Bailey’s workouts so much!
But again, free workouts are TOTALLY fine and they are SUPER effective. It might motivate you more if you’re paying though, so try a free trial of an online workout studio and see how you like it
5. Plan! Schedule to workout from home or you won’t do it
This is super important for me. Like I said earlier, I love to plan my day and it’s helpful to know what to look forward to the next day before my head hits the pillow. I like to workout from home in the morning before I eat breakfast because it gets my day started. I haven’t been working out as early since being home all the time, but I try to aim for getting a workout in around 9 a.m.
I like starting my day this way because it helps me make healthier choices all day. Knowing that I got my heart rate up and got my sweat on before breakfast inspires me to eat better and drink more water all day. It also keeps me energized throughout the day and I feel like I get more done since I got the momentum going from the start.
Maybe you hate waking up early. That’s ok! You don’t have to!
A home workout schedule is so easily customizable, so you can work out whenever you want. In the morning, after lunch, or maybe right before bed. Totally up to you and whatever works for your day. Maybe a yoga or pilates-inspired workout is great after a long stressful day. Or a HIIT cardio workout gets you up and running for the day ahead of you. Try different things to see what works
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6. Invest in cute workout clothes
Finally, one of the best tips I have to workout from home is wearing cute workout clothes! Sure, you could work out in your sweatpants and old college t-shirt, but I personally feel so much more motivated when wearing a cute form-fitting pair of leggings and matching sports bra. Plus, it makes for a way cuter post-workout selfie 😉
It doesn’t have to be expensive – so many retailers have affordable workout clothes and matching sets, like Old Navy or Gap. Shop around and always look for coupons or sales – especially right now it seems like so many brands are having sales!
Check out my picks from Adidas below – how cute is that crop top bra combo? Also, obsessed with that workout bodysuit, it could totally be used for a night out too ?
So, there you have it – my best tips for motivating yourself to workout from home. What are your favorite types of home workouts to do? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to let me know if you use any of these tips. 🙂
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Omg I love putting fruits in my water too!! Love this post ??
It makes it soooo much better. Thank you for reading! xo
Love this!
Thank you!