Newsflash! You don’t need a fancy home gym or an expensive gym membership to get in shape or lose weight. There are tons of free or low-cost ways to reach your goals right from your own home, with no equipment necessary. When I graduated from college and moved back up to Massachusetts, I had an entry level job and wasn’t making enough to afford a gym membership. In school I used to go to the gym almost daily and use the cardio and weight lifting equipment, so it was hard breaking the mindset that I needed those things to still break a sweat.
I loved the idea of going for a jog outside, maybe stopping along the way to get in some push-ups and sit-ups, but it never stuck for me as something I would do consistently. I found that I got bored of the same routes over and over again, get sick of my playlists, or just find the weather not cooperating (ok maybe I was just looking for excuses on that last one). I started seeing more and more “at home workouts” posted on Pinterest, and thought it was worth a shot.
Lots of people hear “bodyweight training” and immediately think “boring.” Yes, I was one of them. But there are so many more options than push ups, planks, and squats! With a little creativity, your options are endless. I started off with more traditional exercises (like lunges, squats, push-ups), then wanted even more variety, so I found some YouTube videos from Jillian Michaels (this one was a favorite of mine), Billy Blanks (this one is great), Denise Austin (loved this one), 10 Minute Solution Videos (this one is a really good compilation), and my favorite site now for tons of FREE workout videos: Fitness Blender.
I found that when I was doing my workouts with people in a YouTube video, versus just myself in my living room, I was MUCH more motivated, and got better workouts. The key is to experiment with what works best for you. Inside or outside, videos or printable workouts…or making it up as you go, props or no props, etc. When I started out doing my exercising at home, I didn’t have any props. But over time, I’ve gotten a few necessities like a yoga mat and 3, 5, and 10 pound weights. Feel free to use whatever you have lying around the house for weights as well, soup cans, water bottles, etc.
Here are some of my favorite at home workout motivation tips, and below is an at home workout for you to try!
- Set short/long term goals. Ask yourself why you’re doing this and focus on why you committed to a healthy lifestyle. Write your goals down and hang them somewhere you see them daily. Let your goals motivate you.
- Keep looking ahead. Don’t dwell on the past or slip-ups you may have. What matters the most is your next decision, not the ones you’ve made in the past.
- Think positive! Keep your thoughts healthy and positive and it will make your whole body feel more energized and ready to go!
- Treat yourself. I find that I have better workout sessions when I’m looking/feeling the part. A new workout outfit and some new music can completely change my mindset and results!
- Tell your mind to get out of your body’s way. The mind is the most powerful tool in this process. Don’t let negativity and self-doubt stop you.
- Aim high and make it happen. You’re doing this for you. Don’t lower your standards, push yourself to your limit. You’ll be surprised what your body can do.
- Don’t make excuses. The only excuses you have are the ones you make. It’s definitely okay to skip a workout here and there because something comes up, but don’t let it be a habit.
- Let your fears motivate you. Learning to overcome your fears by facing them head-on and leaving them back in the dust will only make you stronger!
- Be proud of every workout you complete. You make the time, showed up and did it, despite busy schedules and life’s craziness.
