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Having a regular workout routine is the key to unlocking many health benefits, however, many struggle to find the exercise motivation to workout at home.
I hear you. As a fitness class person, I always struggle with home workouts. For me, it’s just not the same. I love the energy of the studio and the distraction-free zone so I don’t keep stopping and changing my laundry around.
Leaving the house is a major mindset shift to find exercise that isn’t boring.
Yet I still have tons of fun ways to exercise at home for when I need them. (Because something is always better than nothing.) This article is all about how to motivate yourself to workout at home and jog your mind for some fun home workout ideas.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Read the full disclaimer.
1. Trick your mind with the 10/10/10 game
What is that? It’s my secret mental trick for when I can’t seem to muster up the energy to get started. I pick a 10 min workout video. Then another 10 minute home workout video. And so on, you get the idea.
I string together several small workouts to get that little win. Altogether, they turn into a big win, of getting a decent workout done.
Sometimes you just need to get moving a little bit to boost that workout motivation.
Even if you only did a 10 minute home workout video, isn’t that better than no workout? Where do I get these 10 minute home workout videos? That leads me to number two.
2. Try virtual home workouts
Even if you don’t own a dusty collection of workout DVDs, YouTube is a sea of free fitness options for fun home workout ideas.
For class people, this is the closest thing to exercise that isn’t boring. Who knows, you might discover something new and look to try a live group class when you can get to the gym. Stay on track with your workout plan by scheduling workouts, even if they’re virtual.
You can also see if your local gym or studio is providing virtual workouts for that group setting feel. Sometimes knowing that you’re in a class with others helps make exercise less boring.
Check out this lineup of popular fitness apps to give you a full-body workout on the go! There’s something for everyone on demand.
One of my favorite YouTube yoga options is Yoga with Kassandra.
This is not a paid plug. I just really enjoy her content and know that my readers would enjoy a tip on a free yoga source with tremendous value.
Kassandra’s channel has a wide range of options, from 10 minutes to full-length classes. Her styles include Vinyasa, Hatha, power yoga, and Yin yoga. There are options for all levels.
Check out the Resources page for more YouTube fitness recommendations.
3. Switch it up
A surefire way to get bored fast is doing the same thing all. the. time.
Not only is it boring, but you may not be getting the best results that come from a well-rounded fitness routine.
Variety is the key to finding exercise that isn’t boring. Try different types of exercise and see what you like. You might just find your new favorite.
If you’re stumped for new fun ways to exercise, check out 18 Low Impact Workout Options to Keep You Moving.
4. Try Tabata
If you struggle to get your heart rate up at home, Tabata can help give you a boost. It’s also a convenient option when you’re short on time. If you’re looking for a get-in-get-out and on with your day option, check it out.
Tabata is a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Don’t be intimidated by the words “high intensity.” It only means high intensity for you. Do what you can do, everyone is different.
Read Tabata vs. HIIT vs. Interval Training for more insight on these types of workouts.
Traditional Tabata consists of 4-minute workouts. Eight rounds alternate between 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest, with a 1 minute rest in between sets. Though it doesn’t sound like a lot, one round of Tabata is a tough workout.
It’s a super-easy way to get a cardio blast without equipment.
It can be used as a workout on its own with several different 4 min sets or added to boost the intensity of other workouts.
Not sure how to modify exercises to your level? Read this article all about exercise modifications!
5. Guided audio workouts
Slightly different than video workouts, audio workouts don’t require that you glue your attention to a screen but still give you that guidance so you don’t have to come up with your own home workout ideas.
If you lack the motivation to get a workout started, following a guided audio workout can help push you to start.
I use Aaptiv for guided audio workouts very frequently on the elliptical, spin bike, treadmill, and stair climber to make cardio machines more exciting. It’s like having your own personal class right in your headphones.
Aaptiv also has options for strength training, outdoor running, yoga, meditation, Pilates, and more. Check out my full review of Aaptiv here.
Grab a 30-day FREE trial of Aaptiv!
6. Set goals
Give yourself some fitness goals to achieve for the day. It might be working out for a specific amount of time or doing a certain type of workout, getting a number of steps in, or burning X amount of calories.
Meaningful health and fitness goals can help to keep you on track. Choose goals that are important to you.
Use a fitness watch to help you stay on track!
See also:
7. Virtual challenges or virtual personal training
Hold yourself accountable by joining a virtual challenge. Look for virtual challenges within your community, on Facebook groups, local studios, or join one on Aaptiv.
You can also plan activities with a partner or friend as your workout buddy.
Virtual personal training is even becoming a thing. Check out FYT Personal Training for virtual or in-person affordable training sessions.
8. Dress for the gym
Just because you’re at home, doesn’t mean you’re not getting a great workout.
Help your motivation along by dressing like you would if you were going to the gym. Psychologically, this helps get you in the right mindset. If you wear gym clothes as part of your regular wardrobe, you’ll be one step closer.
Get those workout clothes ready!
If your workout wardrobe needs a pick me up, check out K-Deer. Every time I wear these leggings, I’m bombarded with questions. Not only are they super fun, but they also perform well, no matter what the activity.
As a bonus, their signature stripes line donates 5% to various charities that support health & wellness, children’s causes, animal welfare, and environmental issues. Each stripe supports a different cause.
9. Improvise (safely) for equipment
Strength training doesn’t have to stop just because you don’t have any equipment. Don’t underestimate the difficulty of bodyweight strengthening exercises.
Water bottles can sub for some weights in a pinch.
A sturdy chair can also sub in for a place to do dips, incline push-ups, or as a “barre” for barre workouts.
10. Get the right equipment
It’s easier to work out at the gym because they already have all the equipment you need.
Get yourself the equipment you need to replicate your favorite workouts at home.
Some easy basics are:
Your fitness activities will guide you toward the right equipment. Look to purchase good quality equipment that will last. Nothing kills motivation like fitness products breaking too soon.
Check out Game-Changing Exercise Equipment for Small Spaces and Best Affordable Physical Therapy Tools for Home for more ideas to stock up your home gym.
11. Use home cardio equipment (for other than hanging your laundry)
Got a treadmill or bike that you never use? It’s time.
Do a whole workout or just a warm-up. Use that available resource.
If you’re not using it in a time like this, does it need to be in your house taking up valuable space?
Serious question for those who also have decluttering goals.
Looking to building up your home gym?
Bluefin Fitness has plenty of home gym approved exercise equipment, including rowing machines, treadmills, spin bikes, and ellipticals that won’t break the bank.
Amazon also has tons of affordable home cardio equipment like this Sunny Health & Fitness spin bike. I’ve had this bike for several years and it’s a very affordable option to spin at home. I was able to swap the pedals out for pedals with SPD clips.
12. Active video games
Dust off those active video game consoles. You know, the ones that encourage activity that everyone had to have, but are probably collecting a lot of dust on your shelf?
Give them a try to switch things up. Plus fun for the whole family. Maybe it’s not the best workout, but it’s also not sitting on the couch.
Check out the Nintendo Switch for active video games to get you moving.
Switch on your fitness tracker and see how many calories you can burn.
13. Get outdoors
Don’t just hibernate in your home. There are numerous health benefits to something so simple as breathing fresh air. Being outdoors can help boost immunity, decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, and give you a natural dose of Vitamin D.
If you’re able to take a walk, run, or ride a bike, it’s a change of scenery for your home workout.
Get some cold weather gear and bundle up if it’s winter!
14. Play games
Playing games is often a way to exercise that isn’t boring. Try these fun ways to exercise that will get your mind off the workout.
- jump rope
- hopscotch
- tag
- dance party
- toss the football or baseball
- kickball
- hide and seek
This all counts as activity, and it isn’t sitting on the couch. For more ideas, check out this article about fun outdoor family games.
15. Remix your playlist
Is your workout playlist getting a little stale?
Nothing kicks up the excitement like some new (or old) music. Spend some time revamping your playlist and inject some motivation back into your routine.
Find out what’s new on Amazon Prime Music to enjoy your workout.
16. Keep a workout schedule
Actively plan time for your fitness. If you don’t, it won’t happen. The home is full of distractions.
Prioritize your health by making time to exercise, even if it’s a home workout.
17. Designate some workout space
Not everyone has the luxury of a home gym space. Still, try to find a spot in your home, even if you need to slide a table out of the way.
Having a dedicated workout space can help get you in the mindset for fitness.
Make yourself a little yoga corner. Pretend you’re at the studio. Put a candle out and roll up a towel like you just picked it up at the front desk. Make yourself a cup of tea. Namaste. You’ve got this.
Finding exercise that isn’t boring
Even if you have a gym membership, there may still be times when you need to exercise at home.
In order to enjoy your workout, you need to find fun ways to exercise that resonate with you. What’s fun to one person may be boring to another.
Make your next home workout session a blast with these easy and fun ways to exercise.
Related Articles:
- Game-Changing Exercise Equipment for Small Spaces
- How to Actually Reach Your Fitness Goals
- HIIT vs. Tabata vs. Interval Training – What’s the Difference?
- 4 Secrets to a Well-Rounded Fitness Routine
References
Barton J, Hine R, Pretty, J. The health benefits of walking in greenspaces of high natural and heritage value. Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences. (2009);6(4):261-278. DOI: 10.1080/19438150903378425
John S. Y. Chan, Guanmin Liu, Danxia Liang, Kanfeng Deng, Jiamin Wu & Jin H. Yan (2019) Special Issue – Therapeutic Benefits of Physical Activity for Mood: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Exercise Intensity, Duration, and Modality, The Journal of Psychology, 153:1, 102-125, DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2018.1470487
Nieman DC, Wentz LM. The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. J Sport Health Sci. 2019;8(3):201–217. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009
Sarris J, de Manincor M, Hargraves F, Tsonis J. Harnessing the Four Elements for Mental Health. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:256. Published 2019 Apr 24. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00256
Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
Thirthalli J, Naveen GH, Rao MG, Varambally S, Christopher R, Gangadhar BN. Cortisol and antidepressant effects of yoga. Indian J Psychiatry. 2013;55(Suppl 3):S405–S408. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.116315
I prefer home workouts to classes, but I agree that sometimes it’s hard to motivate myself to workout. I also do the 10-minute workouts. I enjoy HIIT, so I’ll definitely check out Tabata workouts. 🙂