It is no surprise that we’re all encouraged to exercise. Exercising is a simple but great way to improve one’s health. In addition, keeping active can boost the body’s immune system functions. A better flow of oxygenated blood to the muscle tissues increases cardiovascular performance. Consequently, exercise also boosts energy, increases sleep quality, and improves sex drive.
Apart from physical health, exercising comes with mental health benefits such as mood regulation as well. Along with psychotherapy and/or medication, a dose of some form of light physical movement is usually prescribed as a healthy coping mechanism. The science behind exercising is that it results in the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormone, in the brain.
But you know how that one cheat day becomes a cheat week? We get it; It can be hard to maintain an exercise routine at home, especially since there’s nobody to hold you accountable for skipping it. Here are some tips you can follow to help you develop a consistent home workout routine.
Have a routine that makes you happy
Exercising doesn’t have to be a chore. You don’t want to dread the moment you roll out the yoga mat every morning. Your routine doesn’t have to be the traditional combination of sit-ups, push-ups, squats, and planks that seem to go on for the longest minute of your life.
Try various forms of movement to understand your preference. If yoga isn’t your cup of tea, you could always try Pilates to see if it’s a better fit for you. You could also incorporate running or even dancing into your workout regimen. Choosing the types of workouts that make you happy acts as a motivating factor to exercise.
Start simple
In the beginning, we will all have a sense of accomplishment when we finally make the decision to start living healthy and actually commit to it. But be careful not to overdo it because developing an exercise routine should be a gradual process.
Starting with an overwhelming routine can be demotivating when you get way too tired to continue exercising. The thing is, you don’t have to feel completely exhausted at the end of every workout. Instead, the key is to be consistent with it.
Pick a routine that fits you
Whether you’re a beginner who’s not too sure where to begin or a former fitness enthusiast trying to get back into the groove, there’s always a suitable regimen for you online. However, you do want to make sure that the source you refer to is credible. For a more detailed description of dos and don’ts, you can read through the World Health Organization (WHO) guide on appropriate physical activity based on various demographics.
Create a good environment
To help maintain your motivation to work out at home, make your workout space one that you look forward to. Then, put on your favorite gym clothes even if you’re just working out at home. This is also the perfect time to whip out your go-to playlist and play some music to get yourself pumped up for a good workout.
For safety purposes, use a clean space and make sure the floor is not cluttered. To take the notion of a conducive environment to the next level, have good control over the air quality, especially if you prefer working out indoors. Since it is not advisable to exercise in an air-conditioned environment, an air purifier is just the right fit for the job.
If you feel like it, you can even invite a friend or family member to join you. Having some company can create a fun environment to work out in. You get to share and maybe even laugh about the mutual experience of various exercises from your set routine.
Spice it up from time to time
Although being consistent is important, you do want to switch up your routine every once in a while. Being too comfortable with your routine can lead to boredom. It’s healthy to challenge yourself by adding or replacing an exercise as long as the increased difficulty is well-paced. Grab a laptop with good sound quality, such as an HP laptop, to watch videos that can assist you with technique and timing throughout your new workout routine.
Get some rest
Rest is equally important when it comes to setting the tone for your exercise routine. Get in a good amount of snooze time to allow your body to recuperate from the work you put into exercising. If you feel alternating exercise days and rest days is the best option for you, go ahead and do so. After all, you’re only human.
Now that you’re on your way to maintaining a proper routine, here is something to bear in mind. First, refrain from exercising close to your bedtime. Contrary to popular belief, tiredness won’t put you to sleep in no time. Instead, the sudden energy boost may cause difficulty to get yourself in the ideal relaxed zone.
We all know that the hardest part is to start. But, if you have already put in the effort to begin your fitness journey, you’re on the right track. With the best intentions and the drive, you’re bound to get into the rhythm of a consistent home workout routine.