Right now in our third lockdown and with all gyms and fitness centres closed in Cannock, we're currently serving our bootcamp members with online workouts from home and support.
Even though this is our third lockdown, lots of people still struggle with home workouts because "its not the same as the gym".
Most people go to the gym for escapism from normal daily routines so its understandable why it can be hard to adapt to home exercise.
But in the current circumstances, we don't have many other options if we enjoy exercise and the benefits of it.
So below I have put together my best tips to make turning your living room into your gym more motivating and easier to do.
Here are our 7 Best Tips for getting the most out of working out from home.
1. Turn Down the Heating and Open the Windows
This may sound obvious but having central heating on doesn't go well when you start exercising and you will get hot and uncomfortable very quickly.
Fresh air will help you get alert, fill your lungs with oxygen for extra energy and help you change state ready for your session.
2. Have a Great Workout Playlist
Music is powerful!
If you don't feel like working out at first but your favourite workout tracks come on, it will start to change your state and get your mind "in the zone" for your upcoming workout.
Get some upbeat, high tempo music playing or just your favourites that you love as this sets the tone for your session and will prime your mind and body for your session.
3. Put on Your Workout Clothing and Trainers
Putting on your gym gear and trainers again taps into a routine you normally do and uses anchoring to change your state ready to workout again.
If you have worked from home during the pandemic online, you may have found it hard when you have stayed in casual wear or PJs. Putting on your work clothes while working at home has helped a lot of people get into the zone for work and its the same principle for your workouts.
4. Take A Brisk Walk First
This comes back to tip number 1, fresh air and getting a little more oxygen will light up the brain and help you feel a little more alert and energised.
Secondly, the brisk walk will start to SWITCH on your central nervous system (CNS) ready for exercise - If you feel unmotivated to workout before, a short walk will give you a little boost of endorphines (feel good hormone) so you are ready to go.
5. Workout With Others - Peer Support
This shouldn't be underestimated.Getting your partner, kids or whole family involved in the workout can be a good motivator especially if your tempted to skip your workout but its planned as a family or partner activity
Or, find a group of like minded people who workout together as a team like we do here at Best Body Bootcamp in Cannock. Everybody joins in a Personal trainer led session via Zoom where we support everyone through the workout.
6. Do Exercise You Enjoy.
If you hate doing Spinning, it makes no sense buying home spin bike - its not going to last! Its obvious but if you see exercise as a "punishment" to get fit you wont stick at it for long.
Find a form of exercise or a fitness community that you enjoy or love being a part of. If you love yoga then do that, if you love bootcamp or HIIT then do that.
We are social beings and being isolated isn't great for our mental health either which is why being part of a community online is a great way to still interact with others.
7. Plan Workouts Into Your Schedule.
This is a big one - if you don't plan your home workout into your schedule or diary like you do your gym workout then making it a habit will be hard.
Write it on the fridge planner or your own diary so that time in your day is dedicated to your fitness. You could also get your gym clothes and trainers ready for your workout the following day.
Creating habits around your workouts will bulletproof you from needing motivation when its lacking.
