Keeping Fit During COVID-19: Tips To Help You Set Up at Home

Even though some municipalities are allowing spas and fitness centers to reopen, it may be some time before others can allow clients in again. While you wait for that to happen, it makes sense to ensure you have everything that you need to work out at home. From simple workout fitness mats to a decent set of weights, it’s possible to find what you need to stay fit. In terms of making the most of the time that you have until the pandemic is past, here are some tips that will make workout out at home simpler and more effective.

Designate a Spot to Work Out

If you have room that you don’t use for much of anything else, make it your temporary home gym. That space could be a spare bedroom that won’t see any use until the pandemic is over. Maybe the patio would be ideal to enjoy fresh air while you work out. The basement or attic can become your short-term workout space.

For those who live in smaller apartments, don’t assume there’s no place to set up the equipment. A corner of the bedroom may be all you need for the bench and weights. Things like jump ropes and dumbbells can be stowed under the bed or in the closet when not in use. While you may have to be creative in coming up with places to work out, it can be done.

Have Enough Equipment to Keep Things Interesting

Variety is great with many activities. That includes workout out at home. Make sure you have enough equipment so you can do something a little different each day. For example, do think about installing a couple of chin up bars in doorways so you can use them a two or three times a week. On days you don’t do chin ups, add another round or two of sit ups.

Even if you like to do the same exercises daily, there’s no rule that says you must do them in the same order. Lead off with a different one each day. Doing so helps to keep things from getting stale and you’re more likely to stick with a routine.

Schedule Your Home Workouts

You already schedule time to work from home, so why not set aside time each day to work out? Right now, you don’t have to be concerned about a commute to and from the gym, so that means more free time. Plan your workout before you settle at your desk and log in for the day. An alternative is to schedule your workout after you log out of your employer’s network. Enjoy the relaxation that comes with working out, treat yourself to a hot shower, and then it will be time to think about what to have for your evening meal.

Track Your Progress

One way to stay focused is to track how well you’re doing with those home workouts. Create a spreadsheet that has columns for dates, each exercise that you include in the routine, and the number of repetitions that you perform. Your goal is to be able to look back from week to week and see how you’ve made some progress. Between the spreadsheet and what you see in the mirror, it will be easier to remain motivated.

While life is different right now, it doesn’t have to be monotonous or boring. You also don’t have to pack on the pounds while spending most of your time at home. Structure a workout routine and order whatever you need to make it effective. Once the pandemic is past and you can go to the gym again without having to maintain social distancing, those home workouts will make it easier to jump back into your usual routine.