When it comes to working out, one of the most challenging things can be the motivation to do it consistently. It’s easy to find excuses not to exercise, especially when you’re stuck at home. And when the novelty starts to wear off, everything else can feel like a drag.
However, staying fit and healthy is essential for your physical and mental wellbeing. According to the National Health Service, regular exercise can help you to reduce your chances of premature death by up to 30%. It can also lower your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
So, how do you maintain a fitness routine at home and keep yourself motivated? Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Set your goals
Before you start working out, setting your goals is essential. It will give you something to aim for and help keep you motivated. When you have something to focus on, it’s easier to stay on track.
Think about what you want to achieve and be realistic. If you haven’t exercised in a while, don’t try to do too much too soon. Start slow and build up gradually. For instance, it’s probably unrealistic to expect to lose 20 pounds in a month. But a goal of losing 4-8 pounds in a month is more achievable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When you set a seemingly impossible goal, you’re more likely to get discouraged and give up. So, make sure your goals are attainable and relevant to your capabilities. Doing so will make you more likely to stay motivated and stick to your fitness routine.
Find a workout buddy
When you’re trying to stay motivated, it can help to find someone who inspires you. It could be a friend or a family member. Look for someone who can help to motivate and encourage you. Working with someone can help push you further and make the experience more enjoyable. You can also benefit from each other’s support and advice. And if one of you starts to slack off, the other can help to keep you on track.
However, if you can’t seem to find anyone to work out with, don’t worry. You can have a virtual workout buddy instead. Look for fitness groups online or on social media. Many of these fitness apps offer workout buddies and support. You can also roleplay with a virtual coach or trainer to help keep you motivated.
Whichever route you choose, having someone to help push you can be beneficial. It can make working out more enjoyable and help to keep you on track.
Get a fitness tracker
As technology advances, there are more and more ways to stay motivated. One of these is through fitness trackers. These devices can help you track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
Fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are well-designed to be worn on the wrist, while you can also find ones that clip onto clothing. There are even fitness trackers designed to be wearable on the shoe.
They usually come with various features, such as tracking your steps, heart rate, and burned calories. Some will even remind you to move if you’ve been inactive for too long. And many of them will sync with your smartphone or computer.
Fitness trackers are an excellent way to stay motivated. They can help you see your progress and give you the push you need to keep going. So, it’s no excuse not to get one.
Improve your workout environment
Sometimes, being inspired to work out can be as simple as improving your environment. If you don’t like the space you’re working out in, it can be harder to stay motivated. So, take some time to spruce up your area and make it somewhere you want to be.
According to Psychology, a room’s structure can affect your mood. If your workout space has bare walls, it can make you feel like you’re in prison. But if your walls are well-decorated with inspiring quotes or pictures, it can help to motivate you. As simple as adding wallpapers, you can bring some life into the room. Many shops also offer discount wallpapers online, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
Another way to improve your environment is by adding some plants. Plants can help to purify the air and boost your mood. They can also make your space feel more inviting and pleasant.
Depending on your budget, there are many ways to improve your workout environment. By making some simple changes, you can make it somewhere you want to be. And that can make all the difference when it comes to staying motivated.
So, there you have it. These are some of the best ways to stay motivated and inspired when working out at home. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to achieving your fitness goals in no time. Just remember to take things one step at a time and not to get too discouraged. And most importantly, have fun.
