Compared to traveling to and from a gym, establishing an at-home workout routine saves time, money and energy. In addition, working out at home can provide a more comfortable environment and reduce the risk of injury or discomfort. However, for many individuals, making the shift from a gym to working out at home can be difficult. This is due to a lack of structure and social interaction, which are often found in gym settings. Additionally, some people find that they are more prone to getting distracted while working out at home, leading them to lose motivation and abandon their workout regimens. Fortunately, there are some ways to overcome these obstacles and establish a strong, effective at-home workout routine.
The first step in establishing an at-home workout routine is to determine your goals. Do you want to improve endurance, build muscle or lose weight? If you’re unsure, talk with a fitness professional to learn more about your fitness level and needs. From there, they can help you develop a fitness routine that will be a good fit for your lifestyle and schedule.
Once you’ve determined your goal, create a plan that includes both cardio and strength training. This will help you meet your goals and keep your fitness on track. For example, if you’re interested in improving your cardiovascular endurance, consider developing a cardio workout routine that includes high intensity interval training (HIIT). Research has shown that HIIT workouts can burn more calories and boost metabolism for hours after the workout. HIIT workouts also require less equipment than traditional weight training exercises.
For an at-home HIIT workout, choose bodyweight exercises that you can perform in your living room. Exercises such as star jumps, side to side shuffles, mountain climbers, air-punches, thrusts and ice skaters will get your heart rate up without the need for any special equipment. Additionally, you can incorporate Quell Impact and the new combat workout game Shardfall into your at-home workout routine for a fun way to burn calories while enjoying some friendly competition with friends.
To make your HIIT workouts more challenging, aim to increase the number of reps and the length of the workouts over time. In addition, remember to prioritize proper form. For example, focus on using your core and breathing correctly, which will lead to a better workout and help you avoid injury. Also, be sure to stretch and cool down at the end of your workout.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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