If you are an avid reader of our blogs, you are likely very health minded. Perhaps you even resolved to exercise more at the start of the new year. Now it’s four months into 2018 and your fitness resolution seems like it could be next years problem. We understand; Between work, school, a social life, kids, and everything in between, a trip to the gym just does not fit into your daily schedule. Luckily, we have you covered with these at-home workout ideas!
Beginner Bodyweight Workout Plan
The good people over at nerdfitness.com offer an easy-to-follow yet sweat-inducing workout for beginners. The best part of this plan is that you can complete it from anywhere, so you don’t have the ‘I don’t have time to get to the gym’ excuse. Don’t have exercise equipment at home? No problem. The bodyweight workout page lists substitutes for hand weights and ideas for warm-up exercises. The website even includes training resources for beginners as well as recipes and ways to improve your eating habits. Find the plan here: Nerd Fitness
Yoga
Yoga is a spiritual and physical practice best known for reducing stress and improving balance. The 200-year-old practice of ‘modern’ yoga was not originally developed to be a workout, but recent studies suggest yoga has the same if not more health benefits than aerobic exercise – especially when done at a faster pace. Yoga is a total mind and body workout that greatly improves flexibility, strength, balance, and energy and stress levels. Yoga is inexpensive in that you can practice anywhere. We do suggest starting your practice with the guidance of a trained instructor.
Walking & Hiking
When was the last time you really got out and enjoyed the scenery in your neighborhood? A morning walk or jog can give you a much-needed burst of energy, allow you to get some fresh air, and boost your metabolism throughout the entire day. If an evening walk better fits your schedule, your body will continue to burn calories even after you go to bed. Invite a friend and get moving – good company will surely make your walk more enjoyable and possibly last longer! If you live near a hiking trail, you might be able to get a more challenging workout. Do remember to always wear your sunscreen and a protective hat!
Workouts on Demand
If you want to try a fitness course, check to see if your television service provider offers them on-demand! Providers such as Dish, DirectTV, and Xfinity offer workout videos on demand that will help you break a sweat from the comfort of your den. If you your provider does not offer this, YouTube offers a bounty of workout videos, categorized by muscle groups, exercises types, experience level, and more.
If you are looking to get fit and lose weight, it can take weeks to months before you begin to see physical changes, but the mental health benefits of exercise are almost instantaneous. To avoid injury, start slow and work your way up in intensity. Most importantly, do not feel discouraged if you find it difficult to keep up with your exercise. No matter how slow you are going, you are still lapping everyone on the couch! Good health, and good luck!
