You Don't Need A Gym To Workout
Don’t let gymtimidation get the best of you! Reap the benefits without the anxiety by working out from the comfort of your own home!
Gymtimidation
Whether or not you’ve heard this term before, chances are you can relate to it. ‘Gymtimidation’ refers to the intimidation one feels while working out in a gym. Imagine walking into the gym and seeing tons of machines whose purposes you couldn’t even begin to imagine. You’re not sure what to do or where to start and everybody but you seems to know what they’re doing. You have two options: familiarize yourself with the gym by continuing to show up and try new things, or avoid the gym. The latter might sound odd coming from a personal trainer, but I fully support those who prefer exercising from the comfort of their own homes.
You're More Comfortable At Home
While some people are driven by others watching them workout, others are not. Crowds tend to trigger the spotlight effect, making an individual feel like all eyes are on him or her. For some, this can be highly motivating. These individuals may feel the need to hit a certain goal because everyone is watching. For others, the spotlight effect can be very overwhelming. The added pressure to not make mistakes can create anxiety and discourage gym usage altogether.
When you exercise from home, it doesn’t matter what you wear, how sweaty you are, or whether or not you got off the floor on your last push-up. You’re more likely to step outside your comfort zone and reach new heights. For many people, working out at home means a safe, reliable, judgement-free atmosphere.
Home Workouts Save Time And Money
We all wish we had more time in our days. Due to our busy schedules, exercise is often pushed to the back burner. But think about this: cutting out the commute, not having to wait for machines to become available, and not having to pay for equipment you don’t even use? How does that sound? Working out at home is a great way to save money and make the most of your already tight schedule.
The Covid Craze
At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, people were pretty gung-ho about at-home workouts. Weights, blocks, and bands were selling off the shelves, and some people were even making their own equipment. There were countless exercise challenges going around social media, and it seemed like everyone had a new found love of walking outside.
Fast forward two months and things looked a bit different. Weights started collecting dust, and people lost their ambition. Covid became an excuse rather than a reason. Fast forward one whole year, and many of us are still in the same boat. Granted, there are plenty of people who did take advantage of this pandemic and dedicated time to bettering themselves. To all of these individuals, way to go! You are each an inspiration!
For those of you who relate more to the former situation, you’re not alone. Everyone has been navigating this unique situation and has been caught in a ‘funk’ at one point or another. Regardless of what’s going on in the world, you are capable of reaching your goals. You may need a bit more motivation, and that’s perfectly fine. Whether it’s choosing a friend that will hold you accountable or signing up for a personal trainer, figure out what you need and start today.
How Do I Workout At Home?
We’ve talked about the advantages of working out from home, but how do we do it? If you don’t know what to do or where to start, consider these:
- Pre-programmed workouts. There are thousands of fitness apps, websites, and videos all offering free workouts. If you are looking to generally ‘get in better shape,’ these may be the way to go. Just be careful where you search. Many resources have been created by individuals who are not licensed or certified.
- Go for a walk or a run. Exercising can be as simple as going for a walk or a run. You don’t have to do anything crazy to see results. If you’re looking to increase your cardio fitness or you just want to feel better about yourself, try catching some fresh air. Grab a friend or hit the road solo and see what a difference it can make.
- Hire a personal trainer. Whether you need someone else to hold you accountable or you’re not sure how to meet your goals, a personal trainer may be right for you. Along with a custom program, they can offer you advice and education surrounding your goals.
Take Away
Regardless of how, where, and with whom you workout, the most important thing is that you are working out. Exercise comes in many forms, but it shouldn’t cause anxiety or intimidation. If going to the gym isn’t your style, find a personal trainer who specializes in at-home workouts. If you need the extra motivation, find a friend who will hold you accountable. If you’ve been working out from home for a while and you’re still motivated, keep rocking it!