When you can’t really go anywhere but still want to keep yourself fit, working out at home is definitely the way to go. But how can you start exercising while you’re living in a city like Hong Kong where the apartments are usually small and your Netflix programs are screaming for your attention?
Yes you can! Here are some easy tips on how to start working out at home if that’s not something you’re used to:
Get in your gym clothes first thing in the morning
Wear your workout clothes and running shorts right after you get up to make sure you get in the mood of working out. What I normally do is to get in my favorite crop and leggings after brushing my teeth, then I have my coffee and will start doing home yoga and some HIIT exercise.
Get the essential programs and gear ready
Get the workout programs handy in your device whenever you need them. Download fitness and yoga apps, or add your favorite YouTube workout videos to your watch list. I like the down dog and freeletics app, and also the Ballet Beautiful workout videos.
Also, invest in high-quality exercise gear that is light and easy to store, such as resistance bands and light dumbbells. I like Reebok’s softgrip hand weights. They’re light and easy to use, and you can adjust the straps and hook them to your hand.
Put your gear somewhere visible
If you’re working from home these days, put your mat and dumbbells somewhere close to the spot where you work, or nearby your TV shelf. The more visible your workout gear is, the more likely you will pick it up for some shoulder presses during a work break, or some stretches on the mat while watching Netflix.
Do as many push-ups as you can
Push-ups are my favorite exercise while staying at home as it doesn’t require any equipment while activating quite a few parts of your body including your upper back, your arms and your core. It helps you build strength and make you sweat (if you do enough reps). I often do that during traveling as sometimes the hotel room might be too small to put my travel mat, or the hotel doesn’t have a gym. Now that we cannot travel, I tend to do the same at home like when I was traveling. It’s the most cost-effective exercise for your time!
However, push-up is not an easy exercise for girls. Start to do push-ups with your knees on the floor until you build enough upper body strength to put your knees up. It took me at least 3 months before I could put my knees up, so nothing is impossible!
Use what you have, like your chair
When space is limited, using what you have will save you a lot of hustles just to find the space for your workout. Try to use your chair for simple movements such as lifting your legs to 90 degree against the wall to regulate blood flow. You can also use your chair for tricep dips and neck and shoulder opening exercises. Another good way to use your chair is to use it as a weight, which works when you’re using a light chair. Don’t be scared to do some squats while holding your chair!
When you’re exercising at home, the key is to be efficient and resourceful. Keep your gear stored in a compact space that is easily seen and reached, and make working out a daily routine (here’s my tips on how to stop skipping workout). Get in your cute gym outfits and just start moving!
