Working out is important to staying healthy, but a gym isn’t always accessible. This is especially true for those who struggle with mobility, are on a fixed income, or are caregivers who cannot leave their loved one’s home alone for long stretches of time.
No matter which of the aforementioned groups you fit into, we see you, and we have designed this guide to help you to stay active at home, even without a home gym.
1. Have a Designated Workout Space
Even if you can’t afford a gym, it’s important to have a space in your home dedicated to your workouts. This can be as simple as a comfy chair you sit in to do chair exercises or a spot on the floor where you always lay your yoga mat.
No matter where it is, ensure you are always active when you are in that area. This can help your mind to associate the space with your workout, and ensure you are always in an active mindset when you are there.
2. Buy Weights
One of the most versatile pieces of workout equipment is weights, and they aren’t even that expensive. Even if you can’t afford a full set, consider purchasing a set of two that you can use for workouts.
You don’t need a full gym to stay fit, and with as few as two weights, we estimate that you can do about 90% of workout videos at home. Of course, you may need to upgrade to a heavier set of weights later, but we will worry about that then! For now, we recommend buying a set of 3lb or 2lb weights, depending on your physical condition.
3. Watch YouTube Workout Videos
That brings us to our next tip: watching YouTube videos. YouTube is an amazing free resource that you can use to look up a variety of workout videos. While you do have to watch some ads, you can also consider purchasing the premium subscription for only a few dollars a month if you find you enjoy it!
The cool thing about YouTube is that you can also grow your workouts as you get stronger, something that isn’t always possible with a fancy premium workout subscription somewhere else.
4. Try Some Moves
Many individuals think of working out as using machines at a gym, but you don’t need fancy equipment in order to strengthen your body. There are several simple workout moves that you can do with just a yoga mat, and some can even be adjusted for sitting workouts.
We have provided a single resource in the aforementioned link, but know there are many websites offering information on workout poses for free, so a Google search might be all you need to start your workout journey!
5. Invest in Fun Gym Clothes
Just because you aren’t headed to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t get yourself some fun gym clothes! Finding an outfit that is comfortable and makes you feel confident can help you get into the workout zone at home and keep you comfortable during your moves.
We recommend clothing that is breathable and comfy, though the exact specifications might look different for everyone. For seniors, loose spandex pants and a fun tank top are a great place to start.
6. Buy a Water Bottle
Although your workouts will likely start small, they will get longer and longer as you grow stronger. So that you don’t have to walk back and forth to the kitchen for glasses of water, we recommend getting a water bottle so you can take sips as you work out.
Water bottles with a straw tend to be most comfortable to use during a workout, though you can purchase any style of water bottle that you want.
7. Don’t Overdo It
It can be exciting to set yourself up to work out at home, but it’s critical that you don’t overdo it right at the start. We recommend that your first workout only be about 10 minutes or 10 yoga poses—especially if you are new to working out.
Once your body starts to get used to working out, then you can increase your workouts to 20 minutes, and then 30 minutes. For individuals over the age of 50, 30 minutes of physical activity is what is recommended by doctors, and unless you are exceptionally fit, we recommend sticking to those numbers to keep your body in shape as you age.
8. Include a Friend
One of the major reasons individuals prefer to work out at the gym is because of the social aspect. But just because you are working out at home doesn’t mean you have to be alone!
If you live nearby a friend, it can be exciting to take turns working out at each other’s home, and they can help hold you accountable. Even if you don’t live near a friend, if you have one you can call, you can see if they are interested in FaceTiming daily to work out “together.” If you don’t really know anyone, there are also Facebook groups where you can find individuals to connect with over your workout routine.
9. Make a Workout Playlist
Our final recommendation to make working out at home fun is to design a special workout playlist. You can do this on Spotify or on your device if it has music capabilities. You can also find YouTube workout playlists to listen to for free.
The music you choose should be upbeat, and you should play it every time you work out. This will help your body associate working out with that music and help keep you pumped as you move. If you are working out with a friend, taking turns on who plays their playlist can also be a fun way to discover new songs.
Overall, working out at home might sound boring, but we find that it is an easy and nearly free alternative to a gym membership. So, if you have mobility issues, don’t despair—set up your own little workout corner in your home!
Leave a comment