5 Easy Ways to Exercise at Home

Are you looking for inspiration and easy ways to exercise at home during lock-down?  The gyms are closed and we can no longer partake in our normal fitness classes, so it definitely makes life a little more challenging.  The temptation to binge Netflix all day and night is REAL.  Pair that with boredom eating and all the extra baking you are potentially doing, and your waistline might not be thanking you.

I have to say that I am no gym bunny or fitness guru, but we all know that exercise is the best medicine.  But I have cared about my health and exercised regularly since I was a teen.  I’ve never owned a gym membership and the only time I’ve set foot in a gym is on a mine site (because, who wants to be outside with the snakes?).  I’ve practiced Pilates for years but you wouldn’t know it to look at me.  And I enjoy wine, chocolate and carbs just as much as the next person.

Now more than ever I am relying on daily exercise to keep my mental health in check and to stay positive during these uncertain times.  Whether you want to lose weight with exercise at home or just get those good vibes flowing, here are 5 easy ways to exercise at home during lock-down.

Disclaimer: I am not a health or fitness professional and all opinions are based on my own thoughts and experiences.  It is imperative that you only undertake exercise suitable to your body’s ability and your personal health conditions.  Should you have any concerns, seek advice from a qualified health or fitness professional before commencing a new exercise regime.

KEEPING MOTIVATED TO EXERCISE AT HOME

Feel Good Activewear

I find that if I dress the part, I’m much more inclined to act the part.  So start the day right by putting on your feel good activewear.  For this blog post I am proud to have partnered with local label, TOG24.  Established in 1958, they are a family run Yorkshire business with an absolutely gorgeous range of outdoor and lifestyle apparel.  They pride themselves on their value for money, quality products. And I was excited to work with them based purely on their rose pink pieces.

TOG24 stands for “Truth Over Glory Everyday” – I love that!

Each product discretely displays the Yorkshire rose somewhere, and the quality of the pieces I received is outstanding.  Here are my personal favorite items that I can’t get enough of right now!

• Newland Womens Tech Vest – RRP £22.00
• Amelia Womens Zip Hoodie – RRP £45.00
• Balby Womens Leggings – RRP £40.00

• Milnro Womens TOG Print T-shirt – RRP £20.00

TOG24 offer shipping to locations all around the world including UK, Australia and Canada – check here for a full list.

Disclosure: The clothing products featured in this blog post were gifted to me by TOG24 to try at home prior to publishing my blog post.  All opinions are my own.

Fitness Tracker

I am keeping track of my exercise at home by using my Garmin Watch – there is a vast range available to suit every taste and style.  Its a good indication of how many calories I have burnt each day, and it definitely makes me think twice before having that second (or third) biscuit.  If you are in the market for a fitness tracker, Coach Magazine has written a great piece about the best fitness trackers of 2020 and whilst you are at it, make sure you stay on trend with these Casio watch straps.

Exercise Early in the Day

Of course everyone has their own personal preference, but I think the best way to stick to an exercise routine is to complete your workouts in the morning.  The endorphins will have you buzzing to positively carry on with the rest of your day.  Plus if you were really enthused, you could complete a second round of exercise at home later on in the day.

Schedule Exercise into Your Routine

You are more likely to commit to your exercise if you schedule a specific day and time into your weekly routine.  A free digital planner can assist with keeping your life organised and ensuring you reach your exercise goals.

5 EASY WAYS TO EXERCISE AT HOME

#1: Join your (virtual) gym classes

Gyms and fitness studios around the world are closed indefinitely.  As such, many have been quick to adapt their business models to offer you classes from the comfort of you own home.  I join my Pilates class twice weekly via Zoom and I can’t tell you how nice it is to see everyone’s faces and have a little sense of normality.  Signing up to a group class at a given time keeps me personally accountable and ensures that I complete the workout.

Two of my fave boss babes who provide online workouts are Louise Fellows of York Pilates People and Keely Carter of KC Fit.  Both these ladies offer a variety of classes which you can currently access online from your living room.

“We’re all adapting to new routines, and our bodies are too – whether it’s using a makeshift workstation or spending a lot more time at toddler-level.  Maintaining your Pilates practice is a great way to make sure your body stays resilient, whatever you’re asking of it.” ~ Louise Fellows

York Pilates People are offering 25% off an Online Class Pass to exercise at home.  Just enter “wanderandluxe” at the checkout.

KC Fit are offering 10% off a Yearly Membership for Daily Online Workouts & Live Support.  Simply enter “wanderandluxe10” at the checkout.

#2: Create an at home gym

Perhaps you already have some equipment at home from your previous ‘best intentions‘ of working out.  If not, why not invest in some basic exercise at home equipment.  Hand weights, a skipping rope and pull up bands will go a long way.  Here are a few key items to get you started, dependent on what type of exercise you want to do.  If you really want to get serious, connect with a personal trainer whom can help you plan an appropriate workout routine tailored to your fitness levels and requirements.

On the other hand, those who seek enjoyment while breaking a sweat can invest in immersive gaming consoles and virtual golf simulators that won’t make them realize the punishment of a workout.

#3: Daily Walk or Cycle

Around the world there are varied restrictions for what you are allowed to do outside of your home.  Here in the UK, we are currently allowed to go outside for one form of exercise per day.  Whether that be for a walk, a cycle or something a little more unique.  Recently I saw a man stand-up paddle boarding down the River Ouse in York … so, whatever floats your boat!  Change things up by taking a different route each day (or even the same way in reverse).  You could even push yourself a little further each time to help build up your stamina.

“Motivation is what gets you started.  Habit is what keeps you going.” – John Rohn

#4: YouTube Workouts

Joe Wicks is taking the world by storm with his 30 minute workouts on YouTube each weekday morning.  The workouts are aimed at entertaining your children at home, however I found it to be a very good workout for myself.  Adriene Mishler from Yoga with Adriene, has been described by some as the patron saint of isolation.  Her YouTube yoga workouts have been proving very popular and there is a class to suit every level of yogi or body concern you might have.

There are plenty of other examples on YouTube of workouts you can try at home, from Pilates to HIIT Classes and even Zumba.  So find one that works for you and get moving.

#5: Get Resourceful at Home

Be creative with the resources you have at home.  I spend all day running up and down the stairs in our tri-level house.  Pair that with constantly tending to my toddlers every need, and I start to hit my daily goal of 10,000 steps / 20 flights of stairs very easily.  If you have a decent garden then use that to your advantage.  Or if you are lucky enough to have a pool, why not swim some laps? Use tinned beans as weights or kick a footy around in your driveway.  Think outside of the box and use what you have at home – no excuses.

So there you have it, 5 very easy ways to exercise at home.  I hope it has provided some inspiration to get your body moving and help release those feel-good endorphins.  There is no denying it is a difficult time in the world for everyone right now, but if you can give some attention to your mind and body then it will help to pull you through.  Be sure to let me know what’s your favorite way to exercise at home or what genius solutions you have come up with.  Keep safe and stay well.  Shell x

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Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. All opinions are my own.