If you’ve been reading my blog for a while or follow me on Instagram, you likely already know that I don’t workout at a gym. Don’t have a membership. In fact, I haven’t had a gym membership in over 5 years. Yes, when I had my corporate job, I did have access to a small gym I would occasionally use once, maybe twice per week depending on my schedule and if I could get over there at lunch. But I’d mostly still be doing the same workouts I would be at home, I’d just be utilizing my time more efficiently by going at lunch. It wasn’t necessarily about the gym having equipment that I absolutely needed access to, if that makes sense. In today’s post I’m going to share how to workout exclusively at home and get results, because I think a lot of people think they need to pay a bunch of money to prioritize their health and fitness. The truth is, a lot of those people may not feel comfortable in a gym setting and then it would end up discouraging them and backfiring.
This is not an anti-gym post. I think gyms are great. I just think it is 100% possible to get in shape without one, if your comfort level, financial situation, or even schedule may necessitate it 🙂
How to Workout At Home & Get Results
Whatever your reasoning, I know this post will provide some good tips on how you can workout at home and still get results. Even if you don’t want to workout at home *exclusively*, you can still incorporate at-home workouts throughout the week that may be more complimentary of your schedule and keep you on track!
Have Select Pieces of Equipment at Home
You can do tons of great bodyweight workouts, and I do routinely. However, adding resistance to your workouts in the form of dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, etc. will really help you not only take your results up a notch, but also you’ll see those results faster. Investing in these things is an investment in you and your success, and I genuinely believe they are the reason I’m able to always workout at home and be satisfied with the sweat I get and the results I see.
I started small with my at-home equipment with just a couple of dumbbells, and then over the years I’d maybe get another set of higher weights. I currently have sets in these weights: (2lbs, 3lbs, 5lbs, 8lbs, 10lbs, and then I have some of the interchangeable weights that I acquired when Craig & I moved in together that range from 10 up to 50+) I also have some resistance bands and booty bands. A yoga mat is always a good idea. I love my kettlebell (I have a 12lb) and would recommend one to anybody! I also always wanted a BOSU ball, so one year I finally asked for it for my birthday and I love how it can really give you more options of moves to do at home. Speaking of, I plan to share a BOSU ball workout soon! Besides that…that’s pretty much it. You don’t need a lot and a couple things make a big difference.
Here are the pieces of equipment I currently have at home and would recommend:
Then I have been wanting a bench or step for a while, because it can be great for both upper and lower body workouts. Step ups on a bench are my favorite for legs & booty! But that being said, since I don’t have one I have always just used one of my wooden kitchen chairs, and it works fine. You could also use stairs if you have some in your house, but we have a one story! So I’ve been getting by without it but would love either this or this eventually. The chair has been working just fine, just make sure whatever you use is sturdy!
Where to Get the Workouts
There are SO MANY free workouts on the internet, I’m certain you could workout for 10 years and never do the same one twice. Maybe longer! If you’re looking for new workouts, I always think Pinterest is a great place to come by quick little free workouts you can do! And you can save them and come back to them later.
YouTube also has a ton of great workouts, simply use the search bar and type in what you’re looking to find! I also have workouts on my YouTube channel as well!
I also designed both of my Fitter Programs (Fitter 1 and Fitter 2) to be done from home with minimal equipment, and they were strategically created workout by workout to build upon your results in the shortest amount of time. Fitter 1 has 14 amazing printable workouts, over 30 cardio workouts, a nutrition program, recipes, and more. There’s a level for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. CLICK HERE to grab yours. They are workouts you can do over and over and always see improvements!! Fitter 2 has many of those amazing features as well, but it also has 8 full-length follow-along style video workouts that you can download or stream. CLICK HERE to get the program. You’ll receive everything immediately.
Lastly, I plan to start putting out a new workout each week that you can do from anywhere, so stay tuned for that! It’ll be right here on my blog. Subscribe to my email list to make sure you never miss a post!
How to Stay Motivated with At-Home Workouts
I’ve heard a lot of people say they could never workout at home because they need to physically make themselves drive to the gym to show up in order to do anything. I get it and that’s fine if that’s what works for you, but the mentality behind that is what needs to change. To explain further, I just think that mentality says you view working out as a burden, rather than something you enjoy. I’ve always believed that in order to make it a lifestyle you have to find a way to enjoy it!
I think that the drive to want to better yourself, your health, and your fitness just has to become so deeply engrained in your mind that you stop viewing working out as a chore & something you have to do, but rather, something you get to do. You are blessed with a strong, capable body. Use it! No one is motivated 100% of the time. You have to make it a habit. You have to be dedicated. And working on those things takes persistence, just like working on all the other muscles in your body. You won’t get it overnight. You have to be excited about the opportunity to make each of your days better by always doing at least one good thing for yourself. For me, that is working out. Everything else is just bonus! I promise if you stick to it and show yourself some grace, that habit will form and you may just surprise yourself! I know you can do it.
Just take it one day at a time, one workout at a time. Don’t let little slip ups here or there throw you off course. Continue on!
Another thing that motivates me…MUSIC. I cannottttt workout without some good jams. I have a bunch of workout playlists on my Spotify (username Bess Carter) and those always help me get pumped up!
What about Cardio?
I’m so glad you asked! Do you live somewhere where there’s an outside? (You all should be saying yes…) Well then great! Go for a walk. Go for a run. Go for a bike ride. Find a football stadium and run/walk the stairs. Research local trails or hiking areas. Cold where you live? Sounds like an excuse 😉 But really…put some layers on, grab some hand and foot warmers if you need and do it anyway! You are an unstoppable force…a little cold weather won’t hurt you. PS: I’ll be sharing a post soon on how to workout in the cold winter months, so stay tuned for that.
Fitter 1 also has some at-home cardio workouts you can do that require no equipment…and this summer I did get a NordicTrack Studio Cycle spin bike that I love. But I know that price point isn’t realistic for everybody, but it IS on a sale right now for $1000 off which is huge. I actually also really have my eye on this guy. The price isn’t bad at all and I’ve heard it’s a crazy good cardio workout that also tones you up! I may be asking for one of these for my b-day this year 😉
But really…you can always workout at home and get a great workout in. Maybe every now and then it requires a little creativity, but don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. If you’re moving around and breaking a sweat, you’re doing a great thing for your body & mind.
If you have any questions or anything, feel free to ask below!
xo,
Bess
Leave a Reply