Welcome! So you’re looking to start your fitness journey with this ‘beginner’s guide to fitness training at home’ blog. Fantastic! It doesn’t matter if you are a stay-at-home parent, working from home, or just love the cozy comforts of your living room; you do not need to go to the gym to get fit! Let’s get cozy, and chat about how to start your own fitness training at home, with no crazy weights or complicated equipment.
Why Train at Home?
Going to the gym can feel overwhelming, even if they do ultimately have a place in your training journey. New gym members often have to factor the travel time to the gym they have decided to join, travel time can feel daunting enough without having to factor in crowded weights areas, exercise video timers, and of course, other members who may be better equipped, and more confident in using the gym equipment. When you train at home you are in control of how you train. You can wear your favorite sweat pants, well worn T-Shirt, and let’s face it (no one is judging your moves, at least not in person!). You control the pace of the workout. And I think most importantly, you can train when you want to train!
Getting Started: Create Your Space
Having a defined space for home workouts, even if it’s just a tiny corner, can be very helpful for your motivation! You do not need an extravagant home gym (unless you really want one!). As a starting point, a yoga mat, some resistance bands, and a few dumbbells are a great way to start! I started with a simple mat on my living room floor and it felt like my gym!
Tip: Find a space in your home that is free of distractions. Dust that space off! Get your mat down, gear out and start to create your workout space. You want it to feel welcoming- maybe a bottle of water and some lively music to set the mood will help!
Keep It Simple: Beginner Workout Routine
Strength Training
Do not panic if you do not feel comfortable using weights just yet! There are so many strength training exercises using only your body weight; here are few good ones:
- Push-ups: You can always start on your knees if the traditional push-up is too hard—every little bit helps!
- Bodyweight Squats: Great for the legs and the glutes. You can do sets of 10-15 reps.
- Planks: It’s time to engage that core! Hold for 20-30 seconds and build time as you get stronger!
Cardio
You don’t need a treadmill! You can dance to your favorite music, mimic the cardio videos you find online or you can do jumping jacks! Just move! Here’s an idea for you… Pick a playlist of your favorite songs and move while listening to them and see how many songs you can get through – your own cardio concert!
Flexibility
Don’t forget to stretch. No matter how busy you are, after your next workout, take a few minutes to stretch. Stretching helps reduce soreness and increases flexibility. And it feels good! Yoga stretches are also a great way to cool down.
Make Goals Manageable
It’s easy to be overzealous. I totally understand wanting results ASAP. But let’s be real, it is going to take time to achieve your goals! Start with smaller goals. You might decide to start with 15-20 minutes of movement 3 times a week. Once you feel comfortable with that, change it so you are doing longer sessions, or increase the intensity.
Remain Accountable
Let’s face it, unnoticed issues may arise, and it is easy to lose motivation. A great way to motivate yourself is to find a workout partner. You could schedule workout times to connect via video chat, or you may choose to share progress together over text. Invite your partnership to join you when you take a small class online, or challenge one another to see who can get in their workout first!
Celebrate Your Wins
Whether you did a difficult workout or simply followed your workout plan for a week, be proud. Any and every step counts. Reward yourself with a cozy movie night, a bubble bath, or even new workout clothes. Celebrating wins keeps motivation alive!
Listen to Your Body
Above all, listen to what your body is telling you. If something feels off, that’s okay. Adjust the workout, or take a rest day. Adjust the workout, or take a rest day- it’s all part of the process. Remember, fitness is a marathon, not a sprint.
To Conclude
When beginning your beginner’s guide to fitness training at home, remember to be kind to yourself, enjoy the process, and find happy movement! Even when it’s hard, always remember how wonderful you will feel after you have taken part in a spontaneous dance party and/or finished a great workout!
So, are you ready to start rolling that mat out and take part in some movement? You can do this! Enjoy the journey and celebrate all the little wins!
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