New year, new you!
Skip the gym, work out at home this year.
It’s a new year, which means it’s time to make a New Year’s resolution. Statistically, the most popular New Year resolutions are often a three-way tie; eating healthier, exercising and saving money. Often, these three resolutions are repeat goals each year, which means we have failed to create new healthy habits, or we desire more. Frequently, goals are abandoned because they get too challenging or we make excuses that translate to “life happens.” In fact, January 12 and 17 are named “Quitters’ Days” because they are the most popular days that people quit their New Year’s resolutions. Here is a solution that can help those who have gym commitment problems or for those who struggle to find time to exercise. The solution? Work out at home! Do you have open space in your home? If so, you have everything you need.
Don’t let the following excuses stop you: “I don’t have time to work out” “I don’t have the money for a gym membership or personal trainer” “I don’t have the knowledge or ability to work out”
10 Reasons you should work out at home this year.
- It’s free No need to pay for a gym membership or exercise class.
- You can wear whatever you want Whether you work out in your pajamas or your oldest, raggiest clothes, no one will judge you (except maybe your pet).
- You are forced to learn about fitness Working out with little or no equipment allows you to focus on your mind-body connection. Free weights or bodyweight exercises benefit the body’s ability to stabilize major joints used in everyday activities.
- You can work out in shifts This lets you break up your day! Which is especially important if you have small children, animals or a job that often distracts you. You can always split up your workout. Instead of a 30-minutes workout, do three 10-minutes workouts. Or involve the kids … you will set a good example for them.
- You pick the workout Whether it’s yoga, a walk with the dog or dancing, it is YOUR choice. You can be a creature of habit or change your style every day.
- You can listen to your music LOUD Music often inspires us to push our limits and work harder. Forget the ear buds. Jam out!
- You can have private moments Whether you like to meditate or just need time to work out some feelings, working out at home allows you to have some time with yourself.
- You choose your company If you are someone who needs others to be motivated, invite them. No need to find a babysitter or leave your dogs at home. Use them for motivation. You can also invite friends or simply ask your significant other to work out with you.
- You can’t make excuses No need to leave home or change your clothes to be active. No equipment is needed, or money invested. Just time! We all have at least 10 minutes in the day to dedicate to our health and fitness. Bottom line: We don’t find time to take care of ourselves, we make it.
- The Obvious Research has determined that exercising has many health benefits, such as:
- Improves mood
- Increases energy
- Improves sleep
- Decreases stress levels
- Improves memory
- Boosts the immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Strengthens muscles and bones
- Increase metabolism
- Assists in weight loss
- Increases longevity
- Builds self-esteem
- Prevents chronic illness
- Alleviates back pain
And, prevents several diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia and cancer.
Customize your workout.
You don’t need to be a fitness expert to plan a workout.
- Pick a target area: Total body (mixture of exercises) / Upper body / Lower body / Abdominal / Cardio
- Pick 3-5 exercises (or more)
- Choose how you want to organize your workout: Time (ex. 1 min each exercise) OR Repetitions (ex. 10 reps each). Finally, how many sets? (ex. 3 sets)
THEN, WARM UP, move around and get your heart rate up
START, turn on your music and go to work. Drink plenty of water.
STRETCH, cool down
Don’t know where to start? Here are some easy exercises you can do from your living room. No excuses!
Upper Body Exercises Lower Body Exercises