You don’t need a gym membership to get in great shape. Try these 10 tips for getting a full body workout at home, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Tired of paying for an expensive gym membership? Or, do you tend to avoid the gym out of a comparison between your fitness journey and the level others are at?
It’s time to get out of your head and get back in the zone, without paying an extensive amount of money. Replace traditional gym memberships with full body workout at home routines.
There are many ways to work your body against its own weight, and simple, small tools that make home workouts even more effective. You just need to do a bit of research on what these are and which options work best for you.
To get started, check out the ten tips below for doing a full body workout at home.
1. Designate a Workout Space
First things first, decide where you want to do your workout. Try to choose somewhere other than the bedroom or living room, where you’ll easily end up laying in bed or clicking “keep watching” on the couch.
Consider the guest bedroom, back patio, or even the garage. You should have enough room to move around comfortably, without worrying about bumping into walls or furniture. More so, if there’s dust in the garage or soft carpet in a certain room, you may want to find somewhere else.
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2. Find the Right Program for You
Once you’ve established your workout space, it’s time to find your routine. Are you more of a yoga video and pilates person, or do you want to try a high-intensity cardio routine or weightlifting circuit?
These are just a few of the full body workout at home options available. All you need to get started is a little bit of insight from the professionals. Find yoga classes online or workout routines created by experienced bodybuilders and trainers.
Try a handful of options out before you commit to making one your go-to workout.
3. Get the Proper Equipment
As you’re deciding what full body workout at home you want to do, consider the necessary equipment. Some may only require your own body and the time to get a workout done. Others will be set up as a video for you to follow, which means your workout area will need a TV or at least a place to put your laptop.
More so, there are certain pieces of equipment, like this product, that can be used to target a wide range of muscles. Just one kettlebell or set of dumbells can work everything from your arms and shoulders to your butt and thighs, depending on how you use them.
4. Prepare Your Workout Outfits
While you’re shopping for workout equipment, you may want to treat yourself to an athletic outfit or two. Whether you’re splurging or just getting a few things, make sure you have the essentials.
Men, wear comfortable, breathable bottoms and a snug t-shirt or tank top. You may even decide to go shirtless. Ladies, stock up on running shorts or spandex-like leggings and shorts, as well as the right sports bra for your body type and some breathable tops.
For both men and women, the right shoes are essential to an effective workout. Keep this in mind if you’re doing something cardio-heavy or weight-focused, which will determine the kind of shoe you need. There are cross-training shoes available for both workout styles, too.
5. Set a Schedule
Another essential part of your full body workout at home plan is how you’re going to fit working out into your daily schedule. Consider if you’d like to workout in the mornings before going to your job, or in the evening upon returning from a full day’s work.
Determine how often you’re going to workout as well. This can range from just two or three days a week at home and some days at the gym, or you can quit your gym membership entirely and do 5-7 full body workouts at home each week.
6. Remove Distractions
Before you start the timer or press play for your workout, take one last look around your workout area.
Look for anything that may distract you and set it aside. Put the TV remote on the other end of the room, and set your laptop so that no work emails or personal messages come through.
Most of the time, how you start your workout determines how effective it will be. Make it as good of a session as possible by giving your mind room to rest and focus on the task at hand.
7. Stick to Your Routine
It’s one thing to get rid of distractions for each workout, and another to actually do all the full body at home workout sessions you’ve planned for yourself. Make a commitment to show up and get it done.
Transitioning from gym workouts to home workouts is usually about making workouts more accessible. Maybe you’re sick of being in traffic on the way to and from the gym every day, or it’s just too far from your workplace or home.
At home, though, other excuses pop up. No matter where you decide to workout, you have to focus on making the workout happen, then pushing through. This is why your schedule is so important – it keeps you on track and sets aside a certain part of the day just for exercise.
8. Stay Hydrated
As you exercise, you have to stay hydrated. This is essential to optimal performance no matter the kind of workout you choose to do.
Always keep a water bottle close by. Make time for breaks if you need them, even if those aren’t specified in the workout you’re trying. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes doing your full body workout at home than to skip breaks and wear yourself out.
Eating Well: The Other Side of an Effective Full Body Workout at Home
Just as hydration and rest are important during your workout, what you eat before and after have an effect on the results, too. You have to make both a physical effort and dietary changes to make the lifestyle improvements you’re looking for.
This doesn’t necessarily mean going on a strict diet or totally cutting out your favorite foods. It just means finding a balance between things like sweets and fried foods and wholesome, natural ingredients. And of course, doing a full body workout at home.
If you think a diet will help kickstart these changes, check out our review of Nutrisystem.