The new year is a great time to start fresh and make some changes in your life. If you’ve been meaning to get started with exercising but haven’t quite gotten around to it, then this guide is for you.
Working out at home can be a great way to get started with exercising because it’s more convenient and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Plus, there are plenty of body-weight exercises that you can do without any equipment at all.
To help you get started, here are 5 steps to take to start exercising properly at home:
Decide what type of exercise you want to do
The first step in getting started with exercising at home is deciding what type of exercise you want to do. You can choose from different types of exercise such as aerobic exercise, strength and resistance training, stretching, and yoga. Each type of exercise has its benefits, so it’s important to decide what type of exercise you want to focus on.
For example, if you’re looking to lose weight, then aerobic exercise like running or jumping jacks might be a good choice. If your goal is to build muscle, then strength and resistance training might be a better option.
Set some realistic goals
Setting realistic goals can help keep you motivated and focused on reaching your fitness goals. When setting your goals, be sure to make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, you could set a goal of doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week. Or, you could set a goal of doing 15 minutes of strength and resistance training five days a week.
Another way to set realistic goals is to start small and work your way up. Start by doing 15 minutes of exercise each day, then gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts over time.
Keeping your goals realistic will keep you motivated and make it easier to reach them.
Create a schedule and stick to it
Creating a schedule and tracking your progress can help you stay on track and reach your goals. It’s also a great way to keep yourself motivated. Decide what days and times you will exercise each week, then add it to your calendar. You could also set reminders on your phone or create a habit tracker to help you stay on track.
When creating your workout schedule, make sure to choose times when you’re least likely to be distracted or interrupted. This could be early in the morning before work, or late at night after the kids have gone to bed. Pick times that work for your schedule and stick to them.
Find some at-home workout ideas that work for you
Once you’ve decided what type of exercise you want to do and set some realistic goals, it’s time to find some at-home workout ideas that work for you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Bodyweight exercises: You can do lots of body-weight exercises at home, like squats, planks, and lunges. You can also use resistance bands or weights if you have them.
• Online workouts: There are lots of online videos and classes that you can access with just an internet connection and a laptop or tablet. You can find lessons for everything from HIIT workouts to yoga classes.
• Biking and running: If you have a bike or exercise bike, you can use it for a great indoor cardio workout. And if you have access to a park or other outdoor space, you can go for a run or a walk.
Make sure to warm up and cool down
Warming up and cooling down is an important part of any workout, but it’s especially important when exercising at home. Warming up helps prepare your body for exercise and helps reduce strain on your muscles. A simple warm-up could include a few minutes of stretching or light cardio, such as jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.
Cooling down is just as important as warming up. It helps your body gradually return to its resting state and helps reduce the risk of soreness or injury. A cool-down can include things like walking or light jogging, gentle stretches, and foam rolling.
Conclusion
Starting to exercise at home can be a great way to improve your health and well-being. By following these five steps, you can set yourself up for success and start your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Remember to take it slow and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve got this!