Besides the amazing, unseasonably warm weekend we just had...it's getting to be that time of the year where more of our workouts move inside. I like to think I'm super tough and will run in ANYTHING - but in reality, I hate being cold and I especially hate wind. Cue, living in a high mountain valley in the winter and you've got the recipe for indoor workouts. Plus - I'm still working on rehabbing some overuse injuries in my ankle and foot - so I'm trying to back down on my running. My hope is, if I can chill out (haha...) with the running this winter, I'll be ready to kick some major butt with half marathon training in the spring! Can't wait to share about it with you.
But until then...more indoor workouts. Guess what?! You don't have to have a gym membership to workout indoors. In fact, my little town only has a small rec center with some cardio equipment so that's all I've got to work with. I do go there sometimes for the elliptical and a change of scenery. But most of time, I get my indoor sweat on in my living room. See, you don't even need to set aside a whole room in your house for a gym. I think what is most important is to have a dedicated area that has permanent access to enough room to move and whatever equipment you like to use. If you have to drag your fit ball out of a closet and move the couch and re-wire the TV to workout every day, most likely you won't do it all that often. It's all about easy access peeps...so whatever you can do to make this happen will really make a big difference.
What else can make a big difference? These 3 THINGS. You don't have to spend much (if any) money on these things and I think they are KEY to having a great workout space and a more effective workout.
But until then...more indoor workouts. Guess what?! You don't have to have a gym membership to workout indoors. In fact, my little town only has a small rec center with some cardio equipment so that's all I've got to work with. I do go there sometimes for the elliptical and a change of scenery. But most of time, I get my indoor sweat on in my living room. See, you don't even need to set aside a whole room in your house for a gym. I think what is most important is to have a dedicated area that has permanent access to enough room to move and whatever equipment you like to use. If you have to drag your fit ball out of a closet and move the couch and re-wire the TV to workout every day, most likely you won't do it all that often. It's all about easy access peeps...so whatever you can do to make this happen will really make a big difference.
What else can make a big difference? These 3 THINGS. You don't have to spend much (if any) money on these things and I think they are KEY to having a great workout space and a more effective workout.
#1 - MIRROR
I have a full length one... a cheap-o one from Walmart. Anything can work, but the bigger the better! There is a reason that gyms are full of mirrors, and they aren't just for those super-tan dudes to stare at their biceps. Mirrors are super effective at keeping you on track with your form. Keep one or two wherever you workout, and start noticing (and fixing!) your posture and form while you exercise. Don't worry if your outfit doesn't match - that's one of the perks of exercising at home!
It's not a morning workout at my house without my favorite cheerleader!
#2 - Interval Timer
This is more than just a stop watch - but that can work in a pinch. I use the free Gymboss app on my iPhone. You could also buy a Gymboss timer that clips on your clothes. That's pretty cool too! This is my favorite workout tool, even before any equipment. I use it for my own workouts and when I teach and train. It's perfect for timing Tabata Intervals, or any interval for HIIT Training. I use it for all types of workouts and it is super helpful that it beeps at the transition, so you don't have to worry about looking at a timer!
#3 - Motivation
What? How do you put motivation into your home gym? Decorate a little bit! I know - it might be in your living room so you don't necessarily want massive posters of your favorite athlete hanging up. But little, affirmative signs can be enough! Put a motivating quote at the top of your mirror. Or maybe the registration form for your next race! Here are a few quotes that always help me give that extra push.
For links to all of these original images and more of my favorite quotes check out my
Fit Life: motivate board on Pinterest
Fit Life: motivate board on Pinterest
what about you?
Do you where matching outfits when you workout at home?
What's your most motivating quote?
What's your most motivating quote?
Did you know? All of my virtual personal training packages can be completed at home, with little to no equipment. I give you everything you need (including some motivation!) to succeed at your fitness goals. Check out the holiday deal over on my training page.
RSS Feed
