One of the biggest concerns for many in the winter months is figuring out how to stay fit while avoiding the chill of the outdoors. When jogging around the neighborhood isn’t an option, it’s time to consider some alternatives. Luckily, there’s a world of fitness opportunities available to you right in the comfort of your winter-proofed home.
Home Gym Happiness
Before you begin your at-home exercise journey, it’s crucial that you set up a dedicated space for your fitness regimen. Having a specific area solely devoted to working out will help you get in the proper mindset and prevent distractions from popping up.
A basement or rumpus room will serve you well as a DIY indoor gym. No matter which room you choose, make strides to foster a pleasant environment in which to exercise. After all, no one is motivated to get fit in a room with harsh lighting or uncomfortable temperatures.
First Steps
Safety and comfort should be the number one priorities when designing an at-home gym. Similar to how table covers or sofa covers protect your patio furniture, safety measures such as workout mats protect both your floor from damage but also your joints from any pain that results from workouts on hardwood or concrete flooring.
At-home fitness experts also recommend adding a mirror to your workout space to ensure that your stretches, lifting, and cardio are being performed properly in order to avoid possible sports injuries.
Once your workout has concluded, be sure to clean up the area and put on your gym equipment covers. Having a clean home gym will definitely help you stay motivated to work out all winter long.
Wonderful Warm Up
The most beneficial workouts both indoors and out begin with a proper warm up session. Start with stretching as it helps prevent injuries later in the workout. Transition to warm ups to prepare your body for strenuous activity by improving blood flow and oxygen intake, as well as help to prevent any injuries like pulled muscles.
Take about 5-10 minutes for each warm up session. The duration should depend on how strenuous your upcoming workout will be and should always kick off with that head to toe stretching routine.
Fitness Made Simple
A common misconception surrounding at-home fitness is that you need a full set of gym equipment in order to meet your workout goals. This sentiment couldn’t be farther from the truth, as there are a number of workout regimens that only require your body and the motivation to get fit.
- Yoga: This ancient art of movement, stretching, and breathing is a staple of wellness and is a breeze to practice in your own home. Cultivating a peaceful environment plays a huge role in yoga sessions. Play some relaxing music and light some Zen candles before beginning your poses.
- Pilates: A reliable exercise mat is all the equipment you need for pulling off the perfect pilates routine. This low-impact exercise focuses on toning muscle and improving core strength. It’s ideal for those looking for a slow-paced workout with proven results.
- HIIT: Short on time? Then this workout is perfect for you. High-Intensity Interval Training is cardio exercise consisting of intense bursts of activity followed by short periods of rest. Many HIIT routines can be completed in under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to ensure that your table covers and pool table covers are properly secured for any inclement weather.
A Class Act
If you enjoy having an instructor guide you through your workout routine, online classes are the right ticket for enjoyable exercise. The internet is home to a plethora of fitness gurus who are there to guide you through your fitness journey with the help of online classes and instructional videos.
Making a commitment to an online course can help motivate you to stay focused on your at home fitness goals, and you can relax knowing that you’re working with a professional – even if it’s through a webcam.
While many online classes adhere to a payment model similar to their in-person counterparts, there are a multitude of free online classes that you can pick and choose from to find what best suits your workout needs.
Necessary Nourishment
When it comes to exercise, the importance of proper hydration and diet cannot be overstated. These factors can make or break your fitness journey, so it’s important to stay on top of your meal habits before and after each workout.
Health experts recommend eating a meal around 2 hours prior to your workout, and to stick with easily digestible carbs that will provide you with the energy you need to power through your session.
Hydration is crucial before, during, and especially after exercise, so be sure to have a full water bottle on hand as you get fit. Finally, indulge in protein-heavy meals post workout. Some of the most popular cool down proteins include greek yogurt, nuts, and lean chicken breast.
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