Make working out at home easier and more effective with these 11 golden rules

Working out at home is not as easy as it sounds. But these golden rules will help you make the most of it and be ready to hit the gym when the time comes.
exercise from home
Want to stay fit? Then we have got some rules you must abide by. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 16 Apr 2020, 12:16 pm IST
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When we think of exercising and working out, most of us imagine going to the gym with thumping Punjabi music and well-muscled men and women clanking weights and grunting.

And yet, you don’t really the need gym to get fit, lose weight, and get the body of your dreams. A home workout can help you achieve all that and more. Wondering how you can get on that bandwagon?

Well, with these 11 golden rules you can make working out at home as effective as hitting the gym. 

1. Follow a schedule to stay motivated
Yes, it is very hard but also very important to stay motivated, especially when it comes to exercise. The best thing you can do is stick to a routine. Set a time for workouts and stick to it. Following a schedule is very important, so sleep on time and wake up on time.

2. Do your stretches and cardio right
Don’t mess with your warm-up and cardio routine. Yes, we understand that you don’t have access to a treadmill or a cross trainer, but you can always try other alternatives like burpees, on-the-spot running, jumping jacks, and skipping.

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3. Don’t skip that sports bra and tights
There is a reason why you wear active wear while you work out. So, even if you are doing it at home, it is very important for you to dress properly otherwise chaffing is going to bite you in the ass and thighs!

4. Don’t forget your pre-workout meal
Yes, that’s important too! So what if you are working out at home… you are still working out right? Therefore, it is important to not skip your pre-workout snack. A few almonds, an apple, water, or a banana and you are good to go.

In fact, a study which was published in a journal Nutrients, says that a pre-workout meal helps you boost your metabolism and it also provides you the energy to do more.

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5. Use a yoga mat to cushion your back
Even if you don’t have a back problem, we recommend you to do your Pilates or core exercises on a floor mat. You can also make use of a carpet or a folded bed sheet to cushion your back. This is important if you want to avoid back issues.

Using a mat will sport your tail bone. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Don’t stick to the basics and try new things out
Working out at home can be very boring. Which is why, you need to keep trying new things like Zumba, Pilates, and so on. And now that there are a whole lot of tutorials available on Google and social media platforms-and live sessions on social media are happening left, right, and centre-it’s easier than ever before.

7. Don’t forget that post-workout meal
Protein shake, eggs, and what not–there is no reason for you to skip them. In fact, now that you have more time on your hands why not make yourself some protein ladoos? They are quite delish.

protein laddu
Give these protein laddus a chance. Image courtesy: Vancha Srivastava

8. Don’t over indulge in exercise
Just because you are doing it at home doesn’t mean that you should do it all in one go. Overdoing it can lead to muscle wear and tear and you will end up hurting yourself.

Did you know that according to a study published in the journal The Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, the normal healing time of a tissue is at least 12 weeks? So, it’s better not to go down that route.

9. Choose different exercises daily
Doing the same thing, again and again, is mundane, plus you will only be able to focus on one set of muscles. And you don’t want that right? So, to make it a full body workout session, divide each day into one body part and do different exercises that deal with it.

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10. Exergaming is another option
Yes, this is another exciting way to stay active and fit in your home. If you have an Xbox or a Play Station, then you can also play multiple exercise-based games to stay fit.

11. Pump up your workout session with some music
Well, this one is a must to keep you pepped up during your workout session. Music will not just keep the tempo up but it will also help your mind relaxed and calm. And you will enjoy your home workout sessions more than ever. So, do download that playlist today.

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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