One of my favourite topics to talk about include motivation and at home workouts. I love talking to people and help them see there’s a way to do anything they set their mind to. Personally, I love working out at home, however, there are a lot of people who can’t motivate themselves to do so.
You know it yourself, there are way too many distractions at home. Sofa and Netflix win most of the battles, don’t they? Sometimes it’s a rainy day and you can’t be bothered doing anything. Other times it might be your housemates and you don’t want to workout in front of them. Many many reasons, I mean, excuses.
Nothing changes unless you do.
But let’s be honest, getting yourself to do an at home workout is pretty damn simple. I say simple but I don’t mean easy. You can’t expect progress unless you work hard and stay consistent.
Benefits of working out at home:
- your own space and privacy
- no time wasted driving to the gym
- no time wasted stuck in traffic
- saves you money
- it’s convenient
- you can’t compare yourself to anyone
- you can shower immediately after
- no germs
Why Do People Struggle To Work Out At Home?
Like I mentioned above, there are many distractions in the house keeping you from working out. However, that’s not all there is. Many people wonder if it’s possible to achieve the same results at home like you would in the gym. Even when they get an answer that it’s possible (it really is), they still can’t stick to a home routine.
So let’s make a deal, shall we? Read this post, take what you need from it, find your preferred workout style, make a workout plan and stick to it for 30 days. Granted you eat healthy during those 30 days you’ll see promising results. Take a picture before then after 30 days and post it here or e-mail it to me. Seeing your progress will keep you motivated to keep going.
Right now you’re going to have to parent yourself. Remember how when you were a kid your parents always made you do things you didn’t want to do? Well, now it’s your turn to push yourself. So without further ado let’s see what can help you find at home workout motivation.
At Home Workout Motivation Tips
1. Get Dressed.
One thing that makes a major difference for me, when I struggle to do my workout, is putting on workout clothes. It seems like such a small thing (and in reality it is) but it can shift your mentality within seconds.
Let’s be honest, if you’re in your PJ’s or loungewear the chances of you working out are zero. You’re more likely to stay on the couch and binge-watch something on Netflix. Prepare your workout clothes the night before so when you wake up the next day they’re ready when you are!
2. The Five Second Rule.
If you immediately thought of Mel Robbins, you’re right. I love implementing her 5 second rule whenever possible. In order to stay on track with your at home workout motivation this is the rule you need to stick with.
The five second rule says that from the moment you have the idea that you should do something, in this case work out, you have 5 seconds to take action. Otherwise, it’s gone. It’s a lost cause. When the five seconds are up, your mind will find various reasons to not do what you need to do.
It’s so true though, isn’t it? You’re right there in your living room, you realise you have time on your hand and you think about it: ˇOh I could do my workout nowˇ. However, before you know it you talk yourself out of it.
You’re too tired, it’s cold, it’s hot, a new episode of your show came out on Netflix, etc. Those are stupid excuses so next time be smarter, be stronger. Count – five, four, three, two, one and go! Do the shit you need to do, take action, because no one will do it for you.
3. Play Your Favourite Tunes.
I don’t trust a person who can work out without listening to music. If you can do it, you’re a weird human. Listening to music while exercising can help improve the quality of your workout by increasing your stamina. On the other hand, music makes you feel stronger and helps you push harder.
It puts you “in-the-zone” where you’re ready to smash the workout and give it your best. Furthermore, if you have an awesome playlist your workout will go by a lot faster (read: you’ll have more fun).
4. Think One Week Ahead.
Major factor for achieving at home workout motivation is thinking and planning ahead. One week ahead is enough, you don’t have to do more than that. All you have to do is write down what workouts you’ll be doing and when.
Let’s say your goal is to do 4 workouts per week. In this case, you’ll write down on what days of the week you’re planning to work out. Furthermore, write down the exact workouts as well. You won’t believe how time saving and motivating this is. It helps me massively, plus it helps me prepare myself mentally for the workout ahead.
If, like me, you’re one of those people that love being organised buy yourself a cute pocket notebook and use it as a fitness planner. Guaranteed that you’ll look forward to writing in it each week. In addition, it will keep your motivation going.
5. Switch Things Up.
Even the fittest athletes get bored of their routines from time to time. So what do they do? They switch things up and that’s exactly what you need to do as well. Believe it or not it’s easier to switch things up at home than in the gym.
You have the comfort of your own home, and if you’re lucky you have a garden too. You can learn jump rope tricks, do outdoor HIIT sessions, try dancing, yoga, pilates, whatever you like.
I said it before, the key to sticking with fitness is enjoying what you do. You can alter any workout to suit your needs and make it your own. As long as you’re enjoying it you’ll keep pushing yourself.
What Do I Do?
Each week for me is different. If you’re with me for a longer time you know that I’m a mom now (if you’re new – hello, glad to have you here!). My baby girl is almost 11 months old and I’m alone with her for the majority of the day. Meaning it’s pretty hard to get my workout done during the day.
Before I used to do it in the morning or early afternoon when she was sleeping but now I had to change my routine. Last month or two she goes to bed around 8 or 9 pm and that’s when I get shit done. Not gonna lie I’m exhausted almost every day, as she still wakes up 2-3 times during the night to breastfeed. However, I know I have to do it. For myself, for her. To have more energy the next day, to be stronger, to be the best role model for her that I can be.
Most weeks I aim to do 5 workouts per week. Monday to Friday. I leave weekends for family time, plus our weekends are always unpredictable so I leave nothing to chance. Most of the days I’ll do weight/resistance training. When I’m short on time I’ll try a quick 15-20 min HIIT session + ab workout.
On the other hand, when I’m feeling low on energy I’ll do pilates or yoga. Some nights I’ll go out for a run, however, I do my best to go for a long walk with my baby every day. No matter what workout I’ll be doing.
Bottom Line…
Whatever your situation is, you can make it work. Take advantage of having the comfort of your own home. Plan around and see what works best for you. And remember: it’s better to spend 15 minutes a day working out than not working out at all.
You got this,
M, xo
