Over the last two years, we’ve all spent far more time in our homes than ever before. We’ve thought a lot about physical and mental health. How do you keep yourself and your loved ones healthy when the Fitness Equipment at the gym is off limits? What about the sports equipment in the garage, gathering dust? Some commercial playground equipment is open to the public again, but it can be hard to socially distance. Good news! There are a lot of ways you can pursue fitness in the safety and comfort of your own home!
Here’s what you can do to stay fit at home
You look in the mirror and realize you’ve been inside way too much. Thanks, Covid pandemic. Now, what? You want to stay body positive, but you also want to be healthy. Where to begin? You don’t need to buy a lot of fancy fitness equipment. You need to establish a new routine, a sustainable fitness plan, and a healthy lifestyle.
Create a New Habit
Starting a daily exercise regimen can be a daunting task, but as Lao Tzu tells us, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Start your new, healthy habit with a clear goal. Do you want to build muscle? Lose weight? Simply get fit? Begin by researching the best exercises to fit that goal. Then, your exercise habit should start with a routine that is both enjoyable and attainable, something that you feel confident you will perform every day. Perhaps, it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a few crunches before you shower. Whatever you decide, set a fitness habit to be completed daily for at least two months (sociology studies show the average time to establish a new habit is approximately 66 days). Once you have diligently exercised for two months, you will be well on your journey to a healthy lifestyle!
Utilize Virtual Classes
There’s no need to drag yourself to the gym and be mortified by the pressure of mirrors and spectators. The Internet has brought personal trainers to you! With virtual classes and apps at your fingertips, you can try the latest routines, experiment with new sports equipment, and even attempt to dance in the privacy of your own living room. Many of these online opportunities offer free trial periods, so you can feel free to try new things without the membership commitment. The only audience member to raise an eyebrow at your amazing Zumba moves will be the judgemental cat.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Don’t groan and swipe left just yet! No one likes to confront the “diet” word, but you can handle this with the same tenacity that you created in your beginning exercise strategy. After all, small changes can have a big impact! For example, if you take the time to prep a few healthy snacks on the weekend, then you’ll reach for apple slices during your hectic Monday instead of candy. Consider substituting seltzer for soda and limiting your coffee and alcohol intake. As you get more comfortable with healthy changes, you can consider using an app to track calories, or work with a nutritionist to discover which meals will best help you recover from your workouts.
Drink Water Properly
Staying hydrated is essential to your body’s overall health, whether you are working out or not. You should aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. If you find it difficult to drink so much water, you can consider adding flavor with a little sugar free juice or try some of the sparkling waters available in your local supermarket.
Stay Motivated
Everyone has moments where they feel tired or discouraged. Do you have a plan to keep yourself motivated during tough times? Write down your goals, post them where you can see them every day, and visualize your outcome. If you are still struggling, consider finding a workout buddy, or joining a fitness group app that will hold you accountable. Use that sense of community to inspire you! Text your friend when you feel down or video chat during the toughest workouts! It doesn’t matter if you are running the farthest or lifting the heaviest weights; what matters is that you show up and don’t quit. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius.
Work Out Daily
Work. Out. Every. Day. Even if it’s a few planks, or a brisk walk to the end of the street. If your workout is lifting laundry jugs over your head twenty times or racing your kid around playground equipment, commit to pursuing a lifestyle of movement. Remember to make your daily goals attainable. Some days, you may have time for the full hour routine. Other days, you may only squeeze ten minutes of yoga before work. Either way, you are becoming a fitness warrior!
You’ve Got This
The path to fitness isn’t necessarily lined with expensive equipment; you can set manageable goals and begin your journey toward wellness today! Personalized exercise regimens are easier to access than ever before, thanks to the growth of virtual classes. Once you have committed to sustainable habits that work for you and your lifestyle, your body will become steadily healthier.
