Going to the gym is hard, and a lot of us just don’t like to do it. Sometimes it’s crowded, we just don’t have the motivation to physically get ourselves there, or the routines we come up with at the gym are just tedious and kind of boring after a while. Soon these things just make you feel less motivated and you begin to develop negative feelings about working out in general. Plus, a bunch of gyms closed down during the pandemic, which made us even less motivated to go back when they reopened.
So why not try some at home workouts and workouts separate from the gym to get you back into good spirits with working out again. We’ve compiled a list of fun at home workouts, and workouts close to home, for you to try if you would rather not go to the gym. These fun workouts mix up your routine and keep it fresh and exciting so that you never get bored with it. At home workouts, or workouts close to home, can be just as beneficial as the gym if you stick with them, and more fun because you don’t have to go to a crowded, sweaty gym. Give these at home workouts a go and get back to being motivated and healthy!
When the pandemic started I stumbled upon some dance workout videos that were accessible on YouTube. They were easy enough, but also challenging enough to get the heart pumping and a good sweat on. Plus, they’re really fun because the lady I used to follow did her workouts to artists and music that I typically like to listen to. The account I like to use is MadFit on YouTube because her workouts are fun, she really does get the blood flowing, and her workouts really are like a dance party. This at home workout is a great way to get yourself moving while listening to the music you like in the comfort of your own living room.
Just like us, our pets need to get exercise too. It’s also proven that having a pet makes us healthier because they help with our heart, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of depression. Your dog can be good exercise motivation because they enjoy going on walks and runs. One at home workout you can do with your dog is playing fetch in the yard. This gets your dog moving, and if your dogs are anything like mine, you’ll be moving more than you thought, too. My dogs like the play “keep away” more than fetch so I’m constantly chasing them to try and get the ball back. You can also take your dog on a walk or run around the neighborhood, so that you stay close to home but also get your steps in for the day together.
Sometimes we’re just sick on running, but thankfully, jumping rope is a great way to get your body moving and your heart pumping. When you jump rope you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. It’s also less stressful on your joints than running or jogging would be. Jumping rope is a great at home workout because you just need one piece of equipment and a solid, flat service. You jump rope in your garage, on your driveway, or in your yard. A great calorie blaster without ever having to leave your home.
Healthy competition can be both fun and exciting, so to spice up some of your at home workouts, why not challenge some of your friends or family? Nowadays, there are fitness apps and trackers that allow you to challenge friends, family, and other groups of trackers during your workouts. This is a way to have a nice at home workout, but still be able to do it with other people by ways of competition. There are also community races where you actually run and compete alongside other people if you’d rather get out of the house, but still don’t want to go to a gym. Sometimes bringing a challenge into it can be the best motivator.
While at home workouts are great, there are times when we still want to do physical activity with other people and not just by ourselves. If that’s the case for you, joining a sports team might be the perfect way for you to keep exercising without having to go to the gym. If you like basketball, soccer, football, or volleyball, you can usually find people who will play pickup games that you can join. You can create a team or simply join a game that is already happening and they need more players. Or you can even gather up a group of friends who want to exercise together and enjoy the sport also. While it might not be an at home workout, it’s still something you can do outdoors at a park and away from the gym. And the harder you play, the better the workout.
Rock climbing is both fun and physically demanding. One of the hardest forms of exercise, rock climbing works a ton of your muscles by combining cardio and strength training in one workout. This one also isn’t an at home workout unless you happen to have a rock climbing wall at your house, but it is still a way to refrain from having to go do a boring gym routine. Pulling your self up on the wall and stepping onto the rocks will work your upper body muscles as well as your leg muscles. You’ll be plenty sore the next day, but it’ll be the good kind of sore.
Bike riding has become an at home workout as well as an outdoor workout these days. Whether you have one of those cool new Peloton bikes that takes you through a crazy bike workout from the comfort of your bedroom or you have a bike that you like to take out on trails, to parks, or around your city, bike riding is another great form of exercise that works your entire body. Similar to rock climbing, bike riding combines cardio with working various muscles in your body in one workout. For an at home workout, you can change your biking levels to reflect going up the biggest hill in your town. Outside of the home you can take your bike up some hills and along flat roads where the fresh air and beauty of outside can take your mind off the physical aspect of bike riding.
Swimming is my favorite form of exercise and although I can’t do it as an at home workout, some of you might be able to. Swimming laps is great physical workout because it also challenges most of the muscles in your body. Depending on the stroke, swimming will increase your muscle strength, help with your breathing, and get your heart pumping. It also helps improve your flexibility, balance, and endurance. Plus, who doesn’t like a nice swim after a long, hot day. I’m jealous of every person who has their own pool and can swim as their at home workout.
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