You’ve made the commitment to exercise more consistently. Maybe you’ve discovered that the only way you’re going to do that is by fitting in some workouts at home. To make that happen, you’re going to need to find a space that works. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right spot for your workouts.
1. Space:
Maybe you’re picturing the room over your garage or a corner of your finished basement, all tricked out with a mini-gym. That would be great, but if you don’t have those things to start with, don’t feel like you need them to get started. If you go to the gym, your “personal space” for your workout is pretty much the area of your exercise mat, so let’s start there.
Stand in your proposed space, and take a big step out to one side, then the other; take a smaller step forward, then back. Extend your arms out to the front, then to the sides, and rotate your torso from side to side with those arms long. Then, roll out your mat, and lie down on it; stretch out your legs, and take your arms overhead and out to the sides. Did you hit anything? If no, you’re good to go! If yes: is it easily movable? Then move it.
2. Light
It’s always good for your mood to have plenty of light, and if you can set up in area with natural light, even better. A space that is bright, cheery and full of energy is more appealing than a space that feels like a dungeon. If you plans include following a prerecorded workout, or taking an online class, consider how the lighting will fall on your screen during your workout time. You may need to move lamps around or adjust window shades for optimal viewing. And while more light is usually better, think about how to dim the lights if your at-home plans include a relaxation or meditation session.
3. Convenience
Convenience starts with assembling all the gear you’ll need for your workout. If you can keep it all stored in your designated space, that’s great; if not, keep it all together in a bin, basket or tote bag, so you can grab and go when it’s workout time.
Your workout space also needs to be convenient. Maybe it’s a spot you walk past frequently during the day; or a spot you can see as soon as you walk in the door from work; or the corner of the bedroom, where you’ll see it as soon as you wake up in the morning. If it’s in your face, you’re less likely to forget about it or blow it off, and you’ll be on track to your goal of more consistent workouts.
4. Privacy
Convenience and privacy go hand-in-hand. Yes, setting up in the basement or attic will give you privacy and probably plenty of space, but you’re potentially sacrificing good lighting and convenience; out of sight, out of mind, right? Setting up in the corner of the family room will probably give you space, convenience and good lighting, but will you get your workout in while sharing that space with your family? The answer may be as simple as setting up a room divider screen, or locking the bedroom door, if that’s your workout space. Setting some physical and social boundaries will help you focus on your workout.
Even if you’re still going out to the gym, having space at home for workouts can add convenience, variety and most of all consistency to your routine. Find the spot that works for you at home, and you’ll have one more tool in your toolkit as you work toward your health and fitness goals.
Comments