My 5 Top Tips to Figuring Out A Home Workout Routine
Hello everyone! How are you feeling? I’m writing this blog post in a time where everyone is practicing social distancing, popular parks and trails are closing due to overcrowding, and getting outside feels like a luxury. It is so so important that we still move our bodies, despite quarantines, restrictions, and more. We don’t have the option to go to a packed group class and feed off the energy of those around us. Or get hands on assistance during a yoga class. Working out has become a lot more independent and “solo.” Fortunately, technology has connected so many and given us SO many options to stay in shape.
From what I understand about the digital fitness landscape here are your options:
Working out solo at home
You structure your own workouts
Work out any time of day
Done independently
Working out with on demand classes
You follow the teacher for workouts
Work out any time of day
Done independently, but following someone on a screen
Working out via video chat (zoom/skype), Connected Fitness, or IG Live
You follow the teacher for workouts
Work out at a scheduled time of day
Done in a group
There are connected fitness options (Peloton, Hydrow, Tonal), on demand options (MWH, Obe, etc), and scheduled appointment based options (privates or group classes held by instructors). Especially as more fitness instructors have moved online, the space is feeling even more saturated and confusing than ever.
Experiment first
There are soooo many options out there for live, online, and classes hosted on apps. I feel you. It’s almost paralyzing now with the HUGE wave of options. My best advice is that especially as you’re trying to find a routine that works for you, experiment! I’d consider taking one of each class modality you’re interested in (ideas… bootcamp, spin, pilates, barre, sculpt, yoga) to get an idea of what you personally like best, and who you personally like to work out with.
Making a list of your favorite instructors and modalities will help you narrow things down.
Find a time of day + frequency that works for you
Make sure to find a time of day that works for you. If you’re working from home, does before or after working hours work for you? I find that workouts help add in structure to my day. Without workouts and going into an actual office everyday (or in my case, a studio), I’m essentially a potato. A potato with no schedule. Additionally, now is a good time to figure out how often you want to workout (# of days per week), and how often you want to do x activity (ie: Pilates 3x a week, Yoga 1x a week).
If your favorite time is 10 AM and your favorite instructors aren’t hosting live classes, consider buying an on demand workout subscription. Having an arsenal of on demand videos from your favorite instructor will keep you motivated and going! If your schedule works with the times/classes you prefer, go for live classes! And of course, there’s always an option to work out on your own (just be safe!). I find that staying motivated comes more easily to me if I’ve “signed up” for a class.
Don’t feel pressured to do all the things
I know it feels like there are 100s of options right now to get you moving. Like so many. And maybe that’s just because I follow so many people in the fitness space. I want to say this because I mean it. Do NOT feel like you need to do 2-3 classes a day. Don’t feel like you need to do one every day. Just because that option exists doesn’t mean you have to take it. Live your life. Do what feels good and works for your body. Go on a walk. Do breath work. Turn your screen off. Bake and eat cookies. Exercise is meant to feed the soul so, don’t be tempted to treat it like punishment or a “must” to be healthy.
Know what works for you - personal attention versus a stream
Get a feel for what works for you in terms of how much attention you need to stay motivated and on point. Do you lose focus during an on demand class? Or are you able to stay motivated? Do you want to be seen via screen or not at all? If you’re someone who has special circumstances (pre/post natal, recovery from injury, athlete etc), please consider doing classes where the teacher can give you some personalized corrections and cues. Figure out what your body needs, and what you prefer.
Get the right props and tools
You need the right tools to get the most effective workout at home! See here for a list of my favorite props. Of course you don’t need them all but, these are all nice and things I’d recommend to have to have a seamless workout from home process.
Bala Bangles (weighted ankle/wrist bangles) I’d get these OR the little weights
Yoga Mat Get an extra thick one if you have hardwood. Make sure to clean it often - use a solution of dish soap (Mrs Meyers), tea tree oil and water (1:10 is usually a good ratio)
Bluetooth Headphones (Apple Pods): So you don’t bother your whole household when working out
Squishy Ball (9” squishy ball, inflate 80%): A Pilates favorite
Little Weights (3lbs):
Pilates Ring a must have for Pilates
Long Bands Great for stretching and strength. So much you can do. You get these instead of the mini bands
Foam Roller (half size, a full size is great too)
Heavy KB or Weights (20lb KB) for strength days
*to be 100% clear, I do earn a very small commission off these links but, I do genuinely use and love the majority of the items!