Home Workouts, the New Normal
Some of the ways in which our lives have changed since the beginning of the pandemic have been changes for the better. Exercising at home is one of those big changes. More people than ever started working out at home last year and home workout equipment became hot property. Even now that gyms have reopened many people are continuing their home exercise routines. It saves time, is convenient and there are a great variety of ways to get movement in every day. And the truth is you need relatively little equipment to get a good workout at home. Here are some tips to help you stay consistent and motivated when working out at home.
1. Get organized – Most of us don’t have a separate room for our home gym so one thing you can do is get a basket or tub that is large enough to hold your resistance bands, balls, small weights and your mat so that everything you need is together in one place. Then find a spot in the room where you do your workouts to store your supplies where you can see them (so they can serve as a reminder) but are out of the way. Set yourself up for success by making it convenient to get your workout started!
2. Set a schedule – Routines are the best! Having regular days and times for your workouts will go a long way toward helping you stick with it. Write it down in you calendar just like you would if you were going to a class at the gym. The benefits of consistent exercise are too great to miss out on so make a commitment to those appointments.
3. Involve a friend – Enjoy even greater benefits to your body and mind by exercising with a friend. A weekly hike, bike ride or tennis game with good friends will help motivate you to stay consistent and get regular movement into your life.
4. Include variety – There are so many ways to exercise. You don’t have to do the same thing over and over. During the week you could mix it up with an online Zumba class, a yoga routine, a long walk and pickle ball with friends. Variety is great for your mind and your muscles so continue challenging yourself with different activities.
5. Sign up for a live online class – like mine! Just like a class at the gym, having a live online class to show up for helps you stay consistent and motivated because you know the teacher is right there looking out for you and expecting you to give it your all.
Check out my Saturday Morning Pilates page for more information about my live Saturday Zoom class. I started this online class in May of 2020 and it is still going strong. Each month has a different theme and each class is a full body session of strengthening, stretching and balance work. Plus when you sign up for the class you get permanent access to the YouTube recording so you can do each class as many times as you like.
Here’s what people are saying…
Natalie’s online class is as professional as anything else that I’ve seen. Her instructions and demonstrations are user friendly and easy to follow.” -Fraeda
A Saturday without Natalie is not a weekend! Her classes are challenging and I really look forward to them. I am so much stronger than I was before the pandemic started.” -Monika
Natalie’s Saturday classes are so creative and fun! I love that I can access the classes on YouTube and do them whenever I want!! They are wonderful for improving posture and building core strength, which is so important since I work many hours at my desk.” -Kim
Natalie’s Saturday morning class is so motivating! I often go back to the recorded classes and do them during the week to get recharged.” -Kelly
