The Joy of the Home Gym

No creepy dudes.  No waiting for equipment.  No gym fees. 

Working out in the comfort of your own home has tons of benefits - especially when it's soooo cold outside!  BUT your home workouts are only as good as the effort and focus you’ll put into them.  Here are three tips on maximizing your time and minimizing distractions.

 

1.    Step AWAY from your phone.  Far, far, away.

I know, I know…

“What about my stopwatch?”

”But my music is on there!”

So is your email, Instagram, Facebook, and your best friend texting you about last night’s episode of “Married at First Sight.”  Invest in a stopwatch (Amazon has a great selection, many of which are less than $5) and see below for tips on music.

 

2.    Turn up the tunes, NOT the tube.

Do you have the superhuman ability to watch Kathy Lee and Hoda and not be completely entranced?  Of course not!  You have plenty to watch while you’re working out, namely your form.  Preload a playlist into an iPod or other MP3, plug in your earbuds and get to work.  If you need to keep an ear out for a little one, then of course turn on the TV – but only to tune into Music Choice.  The 53 music-only channels are each devoted to a different genre and the only minor distractions on the screen are facts about the artist playing.  While I’m partial to “R&B Classics,” the “Dance/EDM” channel is a solid pick for a good workout.  Call your cable provider for more details. 

 

3.    Set a goal.

I bet you can add a few more seconds to your plank.  Or two more squats than you did last time.  Maybe you’re ready to move up from 8 to 10 pound dumbbells on your lunges.  Whatever it is, aim to make a small improvement with every workout.  Then do it!

For more home fitspo, check out Stuff I Love for the gym.