If your motivation to workout is spurred on from the act of getting dressed, driving to the gym and working out with others who will push you to run longer and harder and lift more, then having a home gym may not be the best solution for you.
However, if you are a self-driven person, able to push yourself to work out and improve and can commit to setting a workout scheduling and sticking to it, then working out from home may be a great option for you. Plus, it saves you a gym membership!
Here’s are several steps to take that will ensure working out at home is a success.
CREATE A DEDICATED WORKOUT SPACE
You don’t need a lot of space to workout in your own home – you may have extra space; a spare room or basement you can modify, or you may need to take a few minute to rearrange an area to set up the space you’ll need. Having a dedicated workout space means you’ll have all your equipment stored nearby in this one area so it is easy to access when it’s time to break a sweat.
GET THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
What type of working out do you like the most and does your body respond to best? While I absolutely despise running, I see results especially in my legs and stomach quickly, so this is something I have to push through. I invested in a treadmill to use in our basement but also a good running stroller if I want to get outside and run with our daughter.
If you like to watch workout videos or use the TV for yoga, make sure you have a TV, cable connection and/or DVD player and the right equipment in the room so you can correctly follow the routine.
The type of equipment you’ll need is completely dependent upon your style of working out. I have a variety of equipment in our basement workout area because I like to mix up my workouts between cardio, weight training, body weight resistance and balance training. I have a treadmill, a variety of weights from 5lbs – 25lbs, a BOSU balance trainer, TRX cables, resistance bands and ropes, kettleballs and medicine balls.
Workout equipment can be bought new but if you’re assembling your gym on a budget then check for January New Year’s Sales and second-hand places like craigslist, eBay and garage sales. Craigslist is great because sometimes you can find local gyms that have closed or are closing and trying to get rid of equipment for a steal.
HEAD OUTDOORS
Try to mix up your workouts with some fresh air if the weather is nice. Start by taking a run, walk or bike ride outdoors and then head back home for the second half of your workout. Maybe finish with weight lifting or body weight resistance exercises that pair well with cardio.
Working out with kids? Shop around for a single or double jogging stroller or have them ride their bikes next to you while you walk/run. Moms, if you like to ride your bike, a bike chariot or  attachable bike seat is great for the kids to join in the fun. It’s great to get everyone in your family involved and show your kids how important daily exercise is.
WORKOUT WITH A PARTNER
Committing to working out with your partner, a walk with a neighbor or bike ride with a friend will help you stay accountable to your workout routine. Do you have a day or part of the week that you tend to fall off your routine? By Thursday, I notice my motivation to workout is waning and I start talking myself out of working out. See if you can pencil in a workout together during that day so you don’t bail out on exercise.
SET A CONSISTENT TIME TO EXERCISE
Routine, routine, routine! If you are a morning person, pencil in a consistent time to workout every day or every other day. Your workout could be a 45-minute walk during your lunch break or it means that you drive straight to the gym after work. Find what works best with your lifestyle and energy levels. If you’re a planner and need to set a time in your calendar to work out, by all means do it!
CHILDCARE
A gym can be great because they often have childcare options available while you exercise but a home gym doesn’t have this luxury. That shouldn’t deter you from nixing the gym membership though! If your child is small, incorporate a pack ‘n’ play or gated area into your workout space. Add a few toys to keep them entertained throughout the entire workout. I allow screen time for the kids on their iPads while I workout to keep them occupied or coloring books and puzzles are great options too.
With my kids nearby, I have actually noticed that I workout harder and faster. I push myself more on the treadmill to get my miles in faster and lift weights with less rest so that I finish my workout routine before my kids lose interest in their toys and want my attention.
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Do you have any other helpful workout tips you’d love to share?