Exercise has always been essential for a healthy lifestyle – but it’s become even more important in quarantine. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, boost immunity, improve sleep, increase energy levels and so much more. Between working from home, gym closures and social distancing rules, I’m sure quarantine has disrupted and even discouraged a lot of workout routines. Including mine! I’ve been loving these at-home workouts during quarantine, but it can be hard to keep yourself motivated and consistent. Here are 5 ways to stay on track with at-home workouts.
Schedule it
Just like anything important, it helps to schedule your workouts for specific days and times. I like to workout in the mornings after I meditate, journal, and do my homework. This helps me incorporate movement into my daily routine and better manage my time since I’m blocking off specific hours.
Set goals
It’s always good to see and feel progress. I like to make attainable, short-term goals to keep myself motivated with my at-home workouts. If I’ve been working out for 30 minutes every day, I’ll try for 45 the next day. Or if I’ve been using 2 lb. weights, I’ll bump it up to 5 on my next workout!
Exercise daily
When I say exercise daily, I DON’T mean high-intensity workouts every day. However, I do try to incorporate gentle movement into my daily routine, even if it’s a 5 minute walk around the block. To get in those extra steps on the days your body and mind need more rest, try parking on the far side of the parking lot, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walk around the house while you talk on the phone. Small daily movements like these always make me feel more accomplished and keep me on track!
Try new things
Repeating the same workouts day in and day out can make you start to dread the thought of working out. So I like to try new workouts to keep things fun and exciting. IG and YouTube are great places to find new easy-to-follow at-home workouts. A change of scenery can also help put you in a different mindset. For example, if you usually work out in your living room, try taking it out to your backyard.
Listen to your body
Sometimes, our bodies know when we need a break before we do. I always make sure to listen to my body and how I’m feeling when it comes to working out – and only do what feels good. Rest days are just as important as exercising. It allows your body to recover, prevents muscle fatigue, reduces any risk of injuries, improves your sleep and keeps your energy levels up. Rest days look different for everyone, so do whatever feels right for you!
How are you staying motivated with at-home workouts? I’d love to hear your tips.
