It can be hard to stay motivated to exercise while working from home. There are so many distractions, and it’s easy to get comfortable and just take a break whenever you want. According to one study, the average American worker spends less than one hour a day being physically active. This is a problem because it’s been proven repeatedly that regular exercise is essential for good health.
However, there are some things you can do to make sure you’re getting enough exercise even when you’re stuck at home. Here are a few tips:
1. Set a daily or weekly goal for yourself.
It could be something like, “I’m going to walk for 30 minutes every day this week“ or “I’m going to do some sort of workout for 30 minutes 3 times this week.“ A specific goal will help you stay on track and ensure you’re getting enough exercise. Plus, it’s always satisfying to check something off your list!
Many people find that tracking their progress in a journal or on their phone helps them stay accountable. You may also want to try a fitness tracker, which can be a great way to monitor your activity levels.
2. Put on your workout clothes as soon as you wake up.
This might seem small, but it makes a big difference. Once you’re in your workout clothes, you’re more likely to do a workout. It’s much harder to skip a workout when you’re already dressed and ready to go. Try to keep your workout clothes where you’ll see them first thing in the morning, such as next to your bed or in the living room.
Once you’re in your workout clothes, you can do a quick workout at home or go for a walk or run outside. If it’s nice out, take advantage of the weather and get some fresh air! Just getting out of the house can be a great way to boost your mood and increase your energy level.
3. Invest in some home gym equipment.
This isn’t necessary, but it can definitely help with motivation. If you have some weights or a yoga mat at home, you’ll be much more likely to use them than if you go out and buy them whenever you want to work out. Plus, it’s always nice to have them on hand if you want to do a spontaneous workout.
Some people also create an area at home where they can free play sports. If you have a backyard, you can set up a basketball court or a net to play volleyball and badminton. If you live in an apartment, you can buy a small trampoline or rebounder. All these things will help you stay active even when you’re stuck at home.
4. Make a list of easy exercises you can do at home.
That way, when you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to leave the house, you can still get in a quick workout. Some examples might be jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, or squats. There are plenty of others too – the important thing is that they can all be done without any equipment in your home. If you have difficulty coming up with ideas, there are lots of lists online that you can use for inspiration.
Some people also find it helpful to put on music or a TV show that they enjoy while working out. This can help the time pass more quickly and make your workout feel less like a chore. You can also try working out with a friend or family member, either in person or over video chat. This can help you stay accountable and make working out more fun.
5. Find an online workout class or program.
There are tons of options out there, and many of them are free! Doing an online workout is a great way to get out of your head and into your body. It’s also nice to have someone else telling you what to do – it takes away the guesswork and makes working out less intimidating.
There are classes for every fitness level, so you can find one that’s right for you. And if you don’t like one, you can always try another. There are so many options that you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to getting enough exercise while working from home – ultimately, it depends on what works best for YOU. Hopefully, these tips will give you some ideas of ways that YOU can make sure you’re getting enough movement each day! Stay active and healthy!