I’m a lot of things but one thing I’m definitely not is consistent with my workouts. I’m all enthusiastic the first month and then I don’t see the gym at all the second month. Some way or the other, life intervenes. I end up staying late at work so I cancel a workout. Suddenly, it’s flu season and I’m sick so I don’t work out. Of course, I then feel guilty about it.
This is why I realised it is so important to be able to work out at home. There are no excuses left when that’s the case. It’s not like you’re not going home every night. In a bid to force myself to work out regularly and consistently, I’ve set up a mini workout centre with minimal equipment and at very low expense. Here’s how I’ve managed to work out at home whenever I can’t make it to the gym.
1. Get a good yoga mat
This is the first step. Even if you don’t do yoga, almost all floor exercises require firm cushioning. I can’t imagine doing anything, from sit ups to planks, without my yoga mat. I’ve tried doing my exercises without one and I ended up with bruised knees and a bruised back.
2. Buy dumbbells
I have extreme myopia, where my spectacles power is a whopping – 10. That’s right, I’m one quarter of the way towards being blind. My ophthalmologist has advised that I never lift anything heavier than 3 kg as my already stressed retina might snap and I’d go completely blind. So I have a pair of 3 kg dumbbells in the house. I also have a pair of 5 kg dumbbells, but I make sure I never lift both at the same time.
These babies have served me well when I’ve done some strength training at home. A few bicep curls and resistance lunges can do wonders. It’s also great when you want to work out your core. Holding a dumbbell when you’re doing crunches is a sure fire way to get started getting abs.
3. If Kayla Itsines is God, YouTube is the Bible
YouTube should be your new fitness guide. Find a channel that’s free and follow all their workout plans. I prefer Popsugar Fitness’ videos. They’re about 15-20 mins long, which ensures that you can workout in the morning before you head to work.
Now, I’m left with no excuses when it comes to putting in a small workout daily. And believe me, it really has improved everything, from my posture to my discipline.
