How to get fit without a gym
As you may know from my Instagram and Facebook page, it’s very rare that I go to a gym. As a busy working mama, most weeks it would be impossible to get there, as often I can only manage a spare hour to workout – and the return travel time to the gym would be just that!
Working out at home means I can nip out to my gym in between work or when Atari is napping – it makes life so much easier and I’m more likely to do it!
Now do I miss the gym environment? You bet I do! I miss the buzz, I miss the social interaction – and having no distractions – there is always something to be done at home! So how do I motivate myself to get my workouts done – and how can you too?
Here are my Top Tips!
Kit yourself out
Firstly know that there are plenty of bodyweight exercises that can produce a fun and effective full body workout, like this one here. You honestly don’t need much kit! Resistance bands can provide enough resistance if you are on a budget – and they are also really easy to carry around which is great when travelling!
For home workouts it’s also worth investing in just a few pieces of kit that will help keep you motivated and challenged. Think kettlebells, a mat, some adjustable barbell and dumbbells, a gym ball and even a medicine ball. The whole lot will probably cost you around £200 – the equivalent to a few months of a gym membership. Not bad eh?
Start with a few pieces of kit and invest when you can – you don’t need it all at once!
Schedule it in
Life with a toddler, trying to manage and run my business, general mama & housewife duties…there is always a very, very long to-do list and there will always be something else that I could be doing when at home. But do you know what? Working out is my special “me time”! I eat better, I sleep better, I feel better and my mood is better when I train consistently, so at the start of every week I make a realistic commitment and schedule three workouts in – and these will be done no matter what! A home gym is always open – so if I don’t get time in the day – there are no excuses – where there’s a will, there’s a way!
However, how I feel post-workout is what really spurs me on to get my workouts done. I feel a massive sense of accomplishment and it keeps me buzzing for at least 24 hours! Even if I don’t feel like it, I know I will feel great afterwards! Capture that feeling and remember it!
Create a workout space
If you have a place to go, your workout will feel more official and you’ll be more likely to workout – it doesn’t have to be anything fancy! Mine is split between the veranda and the garage, plus I use the garden. I love being outdoors and admiring the view we have.
Once you have your space – Place your mat on the floor and neatly store your kit where it’s easy to get too and make sure you have access to some good music and a drink. Make the space yours – embrace it and look forward to visiting it and getting into the ‘zone’ when it’s time to workout!
Have a plan of action
There’s nothing that wastes time during a workout like figuring out what to do next. Without the motivation and pressures you’ll find in a gym it’s easy to just breeze through your workout – just go through the basics and not push yourself! We’re all guilty!
Make the most of your time and always make sure you have a plan. Know what exercises you are going to do, lay out your kit and be ready to go – this will help you to establish a routine and make the most of your time.
If you need more of a push – then think about an online coach or sign up to a challenge like my 8-week Body Ibiza Programme – The Body For You, which will provide you with some structure and accountability.
It starts on 17 April 2017, and my last batch of ladies got some Amazing Results – here & here & HERE – gym or no gym!
I really hope that this post has inspired you to workout no matter where you are! If so, here is a 20-minute workout that you can do using some of the kit I have recommended. Enjoy!
“Everyday is a new opportunity to keep pushing the boundaries, making improvements and working towards a stronger self.”
