Unfortunately, gyms are going to be one of the last places to reopen after the coronavirus lockdowns. You may have started off strong working out at home but now, your motivation is dwindling. Here are the best ways you keep up your motivation to workout at home.
- Schedule your workouts
- Try new things
- Create a productive space
- Set out to do at least half
- Wear the right gear
- Set achievable goals
- Get outdoors
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At the start of lockdown, I absolutely loved working out at home. I was even downloading tons of at-home workout apps to try new things.
I really enjoyed getting experimental with equipment and the types of workouts I was doing. Due to exercise and gym being a huge part of my daily routine before lockdown, at-home workouts fit into the new normal seamlessly.
But, 3 months later my motivation is lacking. Missing a day doesn’t seem like a big deal and it becomes easier to continue missing workouts.
What I’m forgetting in these times is how important physical exercise is for my wellness. When you feel physically healthy, it positively impacts your mental health too. Nurturing your body will nurture your mind through the mind-body connection.
Therefore, we wanted to give you practical techniques to maintain or regain your motivation to workout at home. Even after the gyms reopen, you may find at-home workouts the preferable method of exercise. Keeping you healthy at home now and in the future with strong workout motivation.
1. Schedule your Workouts
It’s all well and good having the intention of working out. However, thinking about it and doing it are totally different things. Therefore scheduling in your workout can make you commit to it.
I love doing my workouts in the morning. It sets me up for the right mentality for my day and physically wakes up my whole body.
If you do not know the best time to workout at home that works for you. You need to experiment with different schedules. Which one make you feel the best?
When you’ve decided the time, add this to your daily schedule. Set a reminder on your phone or an early alarm. Allocate an appropriate amount of time for your workout.
Often, giving yourself a time limit can motivate you to workout as hard as possible. Consider the type of workout you want to do that day and set out enough time to complete it.
2. Try New Things
There’s nothing more demotivating that doing the same workout every day.
Trying new types of workouts can help you find something you love doing. This makes working out much more enjoyable. You’re more likely to do your workout when you love doing it!
I definitely recommend getting online to stream different workout types. Or download at-home workout apps to follow along with. These videos are great as they provide instruction, demonstration and variation.
Experiment with many different types of workouts. Including yoga, HIIT, pilates, running, kickboxing or dance. You’ll then find the type of workout you enjoy and spark your motivation to workout at home again.
3. Create a Productive Space
I don’t know about you but it’s very frustrating when there are things in the way of my workout. Hitting the sofa or a table is not ideal and is definitiely demotivating.
So, you probably need to create and clear a big enough space for your workout. This might seem time-consuming, however, it will be beneficial for your workout and your mindset.
Remember that by clearing this space you have the best chance for a successful workout. Therefore, the best chance to look after your health and well-being. The preparation time can be a good chance to plan your workout and listen to how your body feels.
When have the best space for your workout, you can feel a refreshed motivation to workout at home.
4. Set out to do at least half
Sometimes the hardest part is starting.
I know that, often, I feel much better and more motivated once I have got started with my workout. It is the first hurdle to overcome and keep the motivation to workout at home.
Although, you can set out to do at least half. This makes the workout seem much less daunting, long or too much of a chore. Half is more than nothing and can be a much more achievable goal in the instance.
Setting out to do at least half can be the motivation you need to actually complete your workout. This is because you have gone over the first hurdle, starting. Often, the sensations of exercise can be the motivation to workout at home.
5. Wear the Right Gear
Working out in your pyjamas might sound ideal. However, your pyjamas are probably not the right gear you need. Mentally, you’re going to associate your pyjamas with relaxing. Resulting in a poor workout.
Getting dressed in your gym clothing or workout gear can help get you in the right frame of mind. This is another form of preparation for your at-home workout to be successful.
So, get into the right clothing, shower and put your fitness hat on (metaphorically speaking).
This can also includes staying hydrated. It is typical to forget about water when working out at home. However, it is one of the most important things your body needs during physical exercise.
So, put on your gym wear and grab a water or BCAA for ultimate hydration. Find your own motivation to workout at home with the right clothes and the right frame of mind.
6. Set Achievable Goals
Fitness goals can go to extremes, especially when it comes to weight loss. However, setting achievable and measurable goals can help keep you motivated. Sometimes, small things can make the biggest difference. Here are some examples:
Improving flexibility. Through yoga and pilates workouts you can become more flexible. Measure this through photos or the distance when touching your toes or your head to your knees.
Progressive weight loss. Speedy weight loss is not always the healthiest. Therefore, at-home workouts can be part of your healthy lifestyle to lose weight slowly. Measure this by taking physical measurements of your body and comparing them every few weeks.
These small but significant goals can the fuel to your workout fire. Seeing small progress each day inspires you to continue to progress and improve. Therefore, providing personal motivation to workout at home.
7. Get Outdoors
If you’re feeling de-motivated to workout at home, you may just need to refresh. I like to get outside to clear my mind and connect more closely with my body.
Getting outdoors can include a walk, jog or sprints. This activates your mind and body in different ways. Reigniting a love for exercise and motivation to workout at home.
Often, some fresh air is all you need to clear the negative energy from your mind. You can help your physical health through exercise but you need to have the right mindset too. You can achieve this by going outdoors and reconnecting with you body.
Boost your Motivation to Workout at Home now
These 7 tips are ones I use myself and find instant change in my mentality and success of my workouts.
At home workouts are a habit to keep in the new normal. I personally, prefer it to going to the gym and might never go back! However, being in the comfort of your own home can make it difficult to stay motivated.
Therefore, you can set achievable goals and schedule workouts to fully commit to your exercise. As well as, physically prepare by wearing the right clothes and create a productive space for your workouts.
In addition, you want to prepare your mind by getting outdoors and trying new things. This helps to find the workouts you enjoy doing so that workouts no longer feel like a chore.
Now is the time to reignite your motivation to workout at home. No matter how long lockdown lasts, your health and wellness can still be a priority.