At-home Workouts for When It’s Too Much To Leave the House

By Screaghin

Sometimes, making it to the gym isn’t an option for us. Whether it’s the dead of winter, or the middle or summer, we don’t always have the time or energy to leave the house. At-home workouts became a staple for many throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to be for many now. Furthermore, you don’t need to have an entire home gym to get an impactful workout in. We’ve put together a quick guide to inspire you to make the most of your indoor space for those days that you can’t seem to make it out of the house.

Equipment for At-Home Workouts

Despite what the multi-billion dollar fitness industry tells you, you do not need gym-grade equipment to get a good work out in. In fact, bodyweight workouts are effective in calorie-burning and all-over toning. For those of us who can’t invest in a Peloton or a BowFlex, all you really need is a little time and a space. If you have a yoga mat and a few free weights, even better, but these days, a reliable internet connection just might be the best piece of equipment you can have. Between YouTube, Amazon Prime, and specialized fitness streaming services or apps, millions of guided workouts are just a click away.

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At-Home Workouts Come in Different Forms

If you’re feeling stuck with what to do during your at-home workout, think about that your goal is from that workout. When you’re feeling stressed, yoga is a great option. If you’re wanting to feel the burn, at-home pilates could be your go-to. HIIT is also a great option if you’re short on time and want to burn some calories. Here is more about a few of our favorites. 

When You Need a Little Zen: Yoga

Yoga is great not just for strength and flexibility, but also for mental well-being. If you’re just getting started in your practice, try the free 30 Days of Yoga program from popular YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene. Also, be sure to check in with your local yoga studio, as some studios have deals for new students or discounted introductory classes. 

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When You Don’t Have a Lot of Time: HIIT

HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is all about efficiency. These workouts tend to be short, sweaty and effective. Whether you have fifteen minutes or forty five, you have time to crush a HIIT workout. Furthermore, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of at-home HIIT workout videos on YouTube, and many fitness influences share HIIT inspiration on Instagram as well. Even better, many sessions require little to no equipment. 

When You Want To Focus on Strength: Bodyweight Workouts

Bodyweight workouts rely on simple exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, with no additional weight or equipment. These are exercises you can do absolutely anywhere. You may not be “heavy lifting”, but you will be toning and strengthening your muscles. Here’s one idea: Customize your own program from this list of 53 individual exercises from SELF magazine, or get started with a (printable) pre-made routine from PopSugar. Either way, it’s imperative to focus on good form to get the most of each exercise, and you’ll see yourself making progress in no time.

By Baran
By Baran

When You Want to Have Fun: Fitness Gaming

This form of at-home workout breaks the equipment rule a bit, but is feasible for the large number of people who already have a gaming system in their home. Popular at-home fitness games include Just Dance, Zumba, different virtual reality (VR) games, and of course, Wii Fit. These games might not burn as many calories as an HIIT workout, but they will definitely help you get your steps in, and they’re a lot of fun too.

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Make Space for Fitness

Conclusively, whether you dive into one of the ideas above or choose something different, the key to getting and staying fit at home is to simply stick with it. It’s crucial to schedule your workouts and hold yourself accountable. Even more, try to switch up your workouts to keep it fun and interesting. Also, if you’re able, create a designated space in your home for fitness and make it your own personal gym. Above all, have fun with it!

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