Working out is about much more than aiding your weight loss efforts. Workouts help to build muscles and improve your mobility. They also help to boost your energy levels as well as your confidence as you grow stronger. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend the entire day at the gym to experience the benefits of exercise. You can become fit right at home with some quick workouts. Below, we take a look at how to make the most of quick exercises at home. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, want to tone up, or just want to increase your activity levels, the tips below will help you get more out of working out at home.
Does Workout Length Matter?
Many people think that in order to become fit, you must spend hours working out. In fact, this is one of the top excuses people use to get out of starting a fitness routine. Experts say that you don’t need to sweat for hours in order to gain from a fitness routine. In fact, quick workouts lasting only a few minutes can make a big difference in your appearance as well as how you feel.
If you’re just getting started with fitness, it is, in fact, better to start with short bursts of exercise rather than a long, grueling workout. A five-minute session every day will help you not only grow stronger but also help you develop the right mindset and adopt the habit of exercising. You can then increase the length of the sessions as your commitment and capacity grow.
Before You Start
Before you start any fitness routine, it is important to take some precautions. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider prior to embarking on any exercise regimen. You may need to make modifications to some exercises if you have a history of certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. These modifications will ensure your safety as you exercise.
Another thing to note before you start is what your goals for your workout program are. Having SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) goals will help you stay focused and committed to your fitness regimen.
Basic Beginner Workouts
Below are some quick exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine for a quick at home workout.
Get up and sit down
This is a simple movement. While sitting in a chair, tighten your abdomen and stabilize your hips. Engage your leg muscles to get up from the chair. Sit back down slowly, engaging your abs and leg muscles. Repeat this movement for about 12 times. This mimics the basic squat movement.
Walk up and down stairs
Walking up stairs makes for a good quick morning workout. It will get your heart beating and help to build the large muscles in your legs, including your glutes and quads. This workout will also help to improve knee stability. Increase the speed at which you go up the stairs for a great cardio workout.
Get up and down from the floor
Sit up and stand up from the floor. Then sit down and on the floor. Repeat this for a good functional workout. This movement requires full-body flexibility, strength and coordination. These are skills that you will need in your day to day life.
Engage in more household chores
Various household chores including sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors can make for a great workout. They involve twisting your core, working your hips and thighs as well as your arms. Performing these chores with more vigor will make for a great workout.
Taking it to The Next Level
When you’ve developed more confidence and your exercise capacity grows to sustain a workout, you can step your workouts up. Below are some ways to take your workouts to the next level.
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Invest in home workout videos
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Invest in home gym equipment such as dumbells, exercise mats, and stretching strap
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Take online classes
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Join a gym
Progressing through to longer and more demanding exercise routines is the best way to build strength, endurance, and confidence. It is also a great way to gain sustainable results. If you’re just getting started with your exercise routine, reach out to the trainers at Zen Fitness. We can help you reach your goals much faster.
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