How to Stay Motivated For At Home Fitness
Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash
Working out indoors is tough. We don’t all have the space or time to create a fitness centric environment.
The great news is, Pilates requires minimal space and equipment. You just need your Mat, a few feet, and some great music. But getting on your mat when you have been home all day or have had a really stressful busy day at your job, can be difficult. Especially when you are home and can easily distract yourself with TV or some time on the couch.
Here are some of my top tricks to remaining motivated. ♥︎
1.) Create an inspiring Playlist
When I create a playlist that inspires me and that gets me into a positive mindset, I really start to get motivated to move my body. When I feel the urge to move, I hop up, turn it up, and start my workout! Harness the energy of good music. I have a few great playlists on my Spotify you can check out for some great beats!
2.) Mark Time in Your Calendar - and NEVER MISS A MONDAY!
Schedule time with yourself like it’s a meeting, and set an alarm. If you have a roommate, boyfriend, or family member you live with that will help keep you accountable, do it! It can be more fun and more energizing to include others in your workout. If you do your workout on a Monday (or the start of your week), you are less likely to actually miss workouts the rest of the week. So stick to it one day and it will get easier the rest of the week.
3.) Follow inspirational accounts online
By reading this blog, you are already one step closer to finding inspiration. I LOVE following instructors and having a myriad of at home workouts I can choose from to keep things fresh, different and inspiring. I also follow fitness instructors who feel real, down to earth, and who live a healthy life that make me want to live a healthy, balanced and also imperfect life too!
4.) Have an Energizing pre-workout drink or snack :30 minutes prior to your scheduled time
I really enjoy a sweet treat or some light caffeine before my workouts. I enjoy a cup of coffee, some mild pre workout, or some sweet fruit and carbs to help energize myself before burning calories. If you eat something, keep it really really light as to not upset your stomach before working out!
5.) Workout when the sun is up
The winter months can be tough, and if you are home or at work all day while the sun is up, and then try and get motivated in the dark - it can be chemically more difficult for your body! Our bodies are programmed to settle down when it gets darker out, instinctually, to keep us safe and help us sleep! SO take advantage of the sunlight! If it’s nice out, set your mat up outside or open your doors and blinds to get that sunlight in your living room and do a quick lunchtime sweat sesh! Also, this will get your workout done sooner, allowing you to relax after work.
6.) Wake up earlier
Hear me out. I know waking up earlier isn’t fun. BUT, when you get chores done and your life started earlier, it can leave more time to workout in the evening and help set the tone for an inspiring day. I always feel more energized when I wake up early. If you prefer to do life in the evening, wake up earlier and try working out or going for a walk when the sun comes up! This will energize you for your day and help inspire to do your online workouts or at least get you moving before the day steals your energy.
7.) Create an Inspiring Space
This can be difficult, especially for mums with kids or those of us with busy homes. But, try and give yourself 5-10 minutes to set the tone of your workout space. Turn that playlist on, light an energizing candle (I LOVE these grapefruit scented ones from Soul Cycle), set up your computer, and put down your mat and props. I like to have a little basket for all my workout things, along with an energizing mat spray, to quickly set up my room in a way that inspires me.
In the end, the best thing you can do, is show up for yourself and try and remain healthy with what you eat! Things are going to happen, life is going to drain you, and it is going to be more difficult some weeks that others to remain motivated to complete your at-home workout routines. But, when you invest in a great trainer, a great program, and show up every day, it makes that habit more fun. By living a balanced healthy lifestyle, it makes enjoying it easier too. And when we all inevitably hit bumps in the road, when other areas of your life are healthy, it makes it less difficult to get back into your routine.
I hope this helps!
Xx
Mal
