We all want to have a lifestyle that includes time for fitness, but getting to a gym isn't always easy. Even without access to state-of-the-art machines and organized classes, working out at home for beginners, who are new to exercise, can achieve results.
Many people opt for alternatives to gyms. It saves money and time. With just a little imagination, mixed with serious motivation, you can create an easy at-home workout you enjoy.
Just don't forget the music.
You don't need a lot of space to work out at home, but having a dedicated spot can help remind you to “go to the gym" each day. Even if you store your home gym in a closet when not in use, make sure you've got the right exercise accessories.
A professional gym doesn't hold a monopoly on workout equipment. Using a few exercise essentials to work out at home can help you see quicker results. They can also help you have a more comfortable workout. Buy new or look for used equipment online. Some of the key essentials include:
You can even purchase some weighted arm and ankle bands to make your regular stretching more impactful.
Even with the right workout and the best at-home equipment, motivation can be hard to find. If you feel like it's a struggle working out alone, find a friend who's interested in your same workout routine.
Schedule a night or two per week where you get outside together for a walk or bike ride. Pair up for some yoga or stretching. You can even watch an online class together for a more structured workout. Having someone to sweat with or laugh with through exercising can make all the difference.
When the weather is warm, going outside for your exercise becomes more bearable. There are tons of outdoor exercise options. Instead of relaxing on the couch after work or lazing around every Sunday, put on some tennis shoes and start moving. Take advantage of walking and jogging trails near you. Even the sidewalk around your community is a great option.
If you live close to any mountains or big hills, try to fit in a few hikes each month. If you have a dog, make your walk a good excuse to give them some exercise, too. Bringing your dog along means you'll both get a good workout.
There are a ton of resources online that can teach you fun mat workouts, calisthenics routines and even high-intensity circuit training. Look on Google or YouTube for some inspiration.
There are also a ton of fitness apps out there to get you moving without any equipment. Apps are great because they usually track and reward your progress. Look up fun apps like Zombies, Run!, which turns a leisurely run into adrenaline-rushing zombie chases. SWORKIT is another good app, which uses a virtual personal training to help you get in shape.
Though you won't be able to do this workout daily (unless you have seriously messy roommates), cleaning your apartment can help burn some major calories. Plus, if you incorporate things like squats and lunges into activities like doing the dishes or cleaning the windows, you'll feel even more of a burn.
Even deciding to rearrange the furniture in the living room can give you a solid workout. Whatever chores loom, grab your earbuds, tap on your workout playlist and get cleaning.
Even if you aren't working out at home each day, making small, active choices in your day-to-day routine can make a difference. For instance, if you live on the fourth floor of your apartment building, stop taking the elevator.
According to InMovement, climbing just two flights of stairs each day can lead to a weight loss of six pounds per year. That may not seem like a lot, but it's something, without even exercising.
You can also walk rather than drive to run those quick, nearby errands. Playing games that require physical activity can also help you get moving. Grooving through two or three songs on "Just Dance" definitely gets your heart rate up.
With today's technology, tracking your fitness is as easy as wearing the right accessory. With products like FitBit and Apple Watch, you can keep track of steps, physical activity, heart rate and other metrics. It's a great way to encourage working out at home for beginners. Wearing one can certainly make it easier to keep exercise on your mind, as well.
It's also a convenient way to get texts and reminders while on the move. A fitness tracker, with all its accountability, goals and even reminders to get up and move around, can motivate you to work out, writes Danielle Zickl in Runner's World. This, in turn, can help you lead a healthier lifestyle where exercise, even at home, becomes a regular activity.
You may decide that a specialty workout is right for you at home. Maybe you want to focus on a particular area of the body or try a certain type of exercise.
If you're not into only doing an arm workout at home or even a million crunches, here's a quick, full-body video routine that's a great starting place for beginners.
There's really no simple answer to this question because everyone's exercise preferences are different. What's important, especially for beginners, is making a workout part of your regular routine.
With a little motivation and the right space and equipment, you can put together the best home workout for your style, making exercise that much more fun.
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.