One of the most exciting prospects of the new year is having the chance to embark on your next fitness journey. While cold January weather can put a damper on outdoor exercise, there’s a world of fitness opportunities available to you right in the comfort of your home. Start out the new year on the right foot with these ideas for keeping fit without having to face the chill of the outdoors normally reserved for your table covers and outdoor couch cover.
No Place Like a Home Gym
Before you begin your at-home exercise regimen, it’s important to set up a dedicated space. A basement or rec room serves well for an impromptu indoor gym, but your living room can work just as nicely provided you make ample room to comfortably engage in your workouts. No matter which space in the home you choose, try to foster a pleasant environment in which to exercise; no one is motivated to get fit in a room with bleak lighting or uncomfortable temperatures.
Safety and comfort should be your number one priority when working out at home. Much like an insulated cover or lawn furniture covers that protects your patio furniture, measures such as workout mats will prevent any pain that comes from workouts on hardwood or concrete flooring. At-home fitness gurus also recommend adding a mirror to your workout space for ensuring that your stretches, lifting, and cardio are being performed properly so as to avoid possible injury.
Warmed Up
The most effective workouts both indoors and out always begin with a proper warmup. Warmups allow your body to prepare for strenuous activity by improving blood flow and oxygen intake as well as helping to prevent any injuries such as pulled muscles. Each warmup session should last about 5-10 minutes depending on how strenuous your upcoming workout will be and should always include a stretching routine.
Keep it Simple
A popular misconception regarding at-home workouts is that you need a full set of gym equipment in order to get in shape for the new year. This simply isn’t the case, as there are a number of workout regimens that only require your body and the motivation to get fit. Here are just a few of the many at-home workouts you can take on sans treadmill:
- Yoga: This ancient practice is a staple of wellness and has exploded in popularity in the world of at-home fitness. Cultivating a peaceful environment plays a huge role in yoga sessions, so pull down your interior roller shades, play some relaxing music, and light some Zen candles before beginning your poses.
- Pilates: A good exercise mat is all the equipment you need to pull off a successful pilates routine. This low-impact exercise focuses on toning your muscles and strengthening your core and is great for those looking for a slow-paced workout with proven results.
- HIIT: If you’re short on time, then this high intensity workout is perfect for you. High-Intensity Interval Training is a cardio routine that consists of intense bursts of activity followed by short periods of rest. Most HIIT routines can be completed in under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to ensure that your table covers and outdoor couch cover are properly secured for any upcoming storms.
Stay Classy
Online fitness classes have reached new heights in recent months, and there’s never been a better time to invest in them than in the chill of winter. And the internet is home to a bevy of fitness gurus who are there to guide you through your fitness journey with the help of online classes and instructional videos.
Committing to an online fitness class can help motivate you to stay focused on your fitness goals for the new year, and you can relax knowing that you’re working with a professional- even if it’s through a screen. And while many online classes follow a payment model similar to in-person sessions, there are a multitude of free online classes that you can pick and choose from to find what fits best for you.
Good Fuel
One overlooked aspect of starting an at-home exercise regimen is diet and hydration. Your diet can make or break your fitness journey, so it’s important to stay on top of your meal habits before and after each workout. Taking care of your body is just as important as taking care of your outdoor accessories with the help of lawn furniture covers.
Health experts recommend eating a meal around 2 hours before your workout, and to stick with easily digestible carbs that will give you the energy you need to power through your session. Hydration is crucial before, during, and especially after exercise, so be sure to have a full water bottle on hand as you work out. Finally, post-routine meals should be heavy in protein, such as quinoa bowls or even just a snack of greek yogurt and fruit.
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