Some may say I am crazy for preferring to work out at home, but I really do!
Obviously the energy of a class and motivation of a trainer or instructor is awesome, and you can’t get that at home, but here are the reasons I love home workouts right now:
1. Free resources. There are a plethora of resources through apps, social media, and online sources that provide incredible workouts for free or at an incredibly affordable price. I have had gym memberships, and I always end up paying and not going. I’d rather pay a one time fee for an app or program and use it at my own convenience.
2. Convenience. The fact that a gym trip could take 1-2hrs and requires me getting in my car and leaving is actually very unmotivating to me, which may seem surprising. BUT – I know I could be done with a home workout in 30-40 min, so taking up less time in my day makes it more attainable, so I get it done. This is also a huge perk considering I’m a stay at home mom and can’t always get child care or don’t want to cart my kids around extra places. Another part of convenience is that I could care less about what I look like and could work out with old ratty gym clothes without having to be concerned about that.
3. Variety. Working out at home means I could choose whatever kind of workout I want in a given day: circuit training, cardio, yoga, HIIT, Pilates, etc. Most gyms don’t offer all of those options, or have a variety of classes available at any given time. To have a membership to a cross training gym, yoga studio, etc could get very expensive.
So, what do I use for my at home workouts? First I will share equipment I utilize at home:
1. Yoga mat – I love this for doing yoga, and all of my workouts on for a soft, anti-slip surface on our hardwood floors. It’s also good for when I’m using weights so I don’t have to put them down quickly on the wood floors and mark it up. I will link one similar to mine, but you can find them anywhere from Walmart, target, Marshall’s and amazon.
2. Dumbbells – I started with a pair 5 & 8lbs dumbbells, and plan to work up from there. I found the best deal at Walmart. These have been worthy purchase that I’ve used countless times in home workouts.
3. Resistance bands – These are so useful and are an inexpensive way to add a challenge and variety to your work outs. I have two kinds: these & these.
4. Exercise ball – this comes in handy for balance and core work.
Now that we’ve covered equipment, here are my most used, favorite workout resources:
1. Blogilates – an amazing YouTube channel that offers amazing Pilates inspired workouts that are under 20 min. Some are even under 10 but pack a punch in that short time. I use this when I need to fit in something fast, or add onto another workout.
2. SeanVigueFitness – this channel is so great for a blend of yoga and Pilates body weight workouts that blend strength, cardio and flexibility.
3. Yoga With Adriene – I love this YouTube channel for yoga. There is a yoga routine for almost anything you need, for any skill level, especially beginners to intermediate. I have yet to find a flow or routine that is as challenging as a hot yoga class, but I utilize this when I need a good stretch and want to care for my body but not NOT move.
4. Spotebi.com – this is such a great free online resource that has circuits for upper & lower body, full body, core, plus warm ups. It has visuals for each exercise and a built in timer on the website. Endless options.
5. Tone It Up – this is what first got me into at home workouts. This community is so encouraging and phenomenal. You can go to toneitup.com or download their app, and you get a daily workout every day with easy to follow visuals. You can also pay a one time fee and gain access to even more workouts and classes and a nutrition plan that is best for you. Tone it up also has its own YouTube channel with tons of workouts too. I will say I feel that the daily move workouts can get a little redundant at times, so if I’m bored I go to the YouTube channel and find something new and more interactive.
6. The Sweat App by Kayla Istines (type “sweat” in the App Store) – This program costs $10-$20 per month depending on if you pay annually or monthly. This app is legit. It starts off based on your current abilities, so some of the workouts will be modified. Each week it will become a bit more challenging. The workouts are built in with visuals, cues, and warmups and cool downs. It also shows you all of the workouts for each week, so you know as soon as you sign in each week that you need to do 3 of the targeted workouts, 3 cardio and a rest day. It’s perfect and geared for at home workouts and home gym equipment; super convenient and easy to follow. Also, you can usually get 1 week or 1 month free trial, but it will automatically start billing you after the free trial is up so set a reminder if you don’t plan on keeping the service.
7. The top two Instagram accounts I’ve actually used for helpful, attainable workouts – @laurcardarelliseib & @ttwinsfit.
8. Seconds app (type “seconds” in the App Store) – this is an app that allows you to create your own timed circuit and interval workouts! It comes in handy when I want to pick and choose and create my own custom workout.
These have been my most used, helpful and motivating resources in staying fit and active at home! Hope you find them helpful! I don’t know about you, but I am feeling ready to get a workout in right about now! See ya next week, friends!
