How to start a workout regime without stepping foot in the gym

Struggling to stick to your new fitness regime? Don’t feel deflated. Help is right here…in your home.

You started the year off on a high; determined and dedicated to quitting that thing you wanted to stop doing and be a healthier you.

You paid the gym fees, bought the clobber, tried the meal-plan and even stretched a handful of times. But as the summer months approach, determination levels seem to have dwindled and you’ve found yourself in a rut while your gym bag gathers dust under the bed. If this is you, you’re not alone. While there are loads of perks of going to the gym (classes, meeting friends, building confidence), sometime’s it’s just not feasible. For those scenarios, here are some simple tips to help you cut the excuses and reboot your motivation, right from the comfort of your own home.

Reinvigorate your motivation 

Your fitness journey doesn’t have to become an uphill battle, the secret is to go slow and make it fun. Give yourself a realistic goal to work toward – maybe its to regain some flexibility, touch your toes, or strengthen your core. Ask a friend to workout with you to keep you focused and turn your hour workout into a fun afternoon together (friends who sweat together… etc). Don’t forget to appreciate your goal and treat yourself when you’ve reached it.

Be strict with your time

The beauty of working out from home is that you have the luxury of taking your time without having to scurry to get a locker. The downside, though, is that it’s easy to over-workout. It’s recommended that we do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, but 20 minutes per day is an adequate amount of time to spend exercising to get your sweat on. It’s also the right amount of time your body needs to release and give you that post-exercise glow and brand-new feeling.

On the back of that, you don’t have enough time

Due to our busy lives, many of us simply don’t have the luxury of having a spare hour to go to the gym. Slot 20-40 minutes into your diary every day to remind yourself; whether it’s on a mat at home before breakfast or a brisk walk after a meeting.

Buy a workout/yoga ball

You don’t have to be a master yogi to use a fitness ball. These wonder devices will improve mobility, engage core abdominal muscles help with leg resistance training. This website will walk you through different kinds of beginner exercises to get you on your way.

Try this app

Fiit has just launched in Ireland and is a new form of interactive fitness that promises to revolutionise the fitness world. Essentially, the app gives you access to high profile fitness experts at home. Members have unlimited access to classes across three studios — Cardio, Strength and Rebalance – from trainers. Users wear a strap across the chest that tracks performance with real-time stats displayed on-screen and later in the year, developers have plans to add a leader-board so you can let your inner competitiveness shine. Prepare to high plank from your hotel, lunge from your lounge and squat from your sofa.

Don’t forget to self-reward

Rewarding yourself is just as important as doing the physical work – so be kind to yourself. Reward yourself with nourishing practices. It’s all about balance – drink your wine but don’t forget your green juice, too.