The Importance of At-Home Workouts

The “inconvenience” of working out before or after a long day in the outside world is our go-to excuse for why we haven't done a sit-up in 3 months. Due to the unfortunate pandemic we are currently experiencing, we have nothing but convenient time and place to make sure that our summer body plans for 2020 are not compromised. For the record, by "summer body", we mean one that is confident, loved, and given the ‘tlc’ it deserves.

Working out from home is the refreshing reboot button we all need. For people who are heavily reliant on an outside gym for their daily burn, this is a great way to challenge yourself and try something new and different. For those who aren't the biggest fans of outside gyms, this is a perfect way to jump-start your fitness journey by gaining the confidence you need right at home.

Workout without judgement

Whether you want to break in your brand new at-home gym equipment or break out your dusty old 10-pound weights from the garage, now is the time to get creative and try something new. I know that when in public gyms, I sometimes get self-conscious about trying a new body-weight exercise, a new lift or even a new stretch, with the fear of looking like I don't know what I’m doing. Although a gym is a place of improvement and not judgement, I am only human. I know a lot of people fear trying new things in public, as well. Now’s the time to try it at home first. For example, practicing Yoga regularly is amazing for the mind and the body, but starting out, the movements may feel a bit unnatural. This is a perfect opportunity to find a small space in your house, light a candle, follow along with a Yoga instructional video, and push your own limits in the comfort of your home. Eventually, this will make it easier for you to do so in the outside world too!

Add structure and routine

When at home, adding a workout to your daily routine adds that much more structure into your life. If you like to work out in the morning, that simple achievement will set the tone for the rest of a very productive day. If working out at night is your thing, it’s a perfect way to not only aid your sleep afterwards, but to help relieve the stress and pent-up energy of the day. For those who like to switch it up, consider squeezing in some movement as a mental charge in between tasks, work, or family. In terms of your workout, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being, especially now!

Stay motivated

The main obstacle when working out from home is self-motivation. To succeed at any healthy habit, you need a level of consistency and self-motivation to make sure you get the results that you work so hard for. One tip to stay motivated is to still put your best gym gear on, even when working out at home. Looking the part leads to feeling the part. The time you take to get ready for your at-home workout is a great way to mentally prepare for what you're about to do. So, make sure to find your favorite pair of CHAOS leggings and get those squats in!

A second tip is blasting some of your favorite jams. Music is one of the best ways to set the tone and atmosphere for whatever type of movement you chose to do that day. If you’re doing shadow boxing cardio on Monday, put on that Eminem playlist. If you’re doing deep stretch Tuesdays, maybe some piano instrumentals will do the trick. Whatever the vibe of the day is, making sure to have a playlist you’re looking forward to listening to; this will help you keep coming back to your workouts every day.

Self-improvement should be a goal of yours in all aspects of life. Understandably, that sounds ambitious and a little intimidating. However, rest assured it is very achievable with the tiniest of positive steps. This particular step has just been made easier — it’s right on your doorstep. No excuses. Do something to contribute to a healthier and happier you, and commit to loving your body and giving it the movement it needs to thrive. Make sure to attempt everything safely and most importantly, have fun!