Five ways to kickstart your home workout and crush your goals
You know you need to move more for your physical and mental wellbeing. You want to crush your exercise goals. But how do you even get started? Try these five tips for kickstarting your physical activity today.
Did you enjoy our list of ways to take care of your body and mind last month? If so, here are five more things you can do today to build healthy exercise habits at home.
Discovery Vitality biokineticist Mari Leach says regular exercise can help you build a healthy immune system . "Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or running, improves physical health, helps you sleep better, reduces stress and anxiety, and boosts your mood," she says.
The most challenging part of exercise is taking the first step. Pick one of these as your starting point and you'll be set to get going.
1. Set a goal you can achieve
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, set a goal that's realistic for your fitness level. Find what works for you, even if it's a lunchtime walk around the house or a 30-minute workout video. Set yourself up for success by finding an activity that's easy to achieve. You'll feel good when you reach your goals, and it will motivate you to keep moving.
2. Plan time to exercise
The best way to stick to a workout routine is to make time for it. Make an action plan where you decide when, where and how you will exercise.
Identify any obstacles that may come in your way, and plan around them. For example, switch off your computer, tell your colleagues you're taking an exercise break, and give your children an activity to keep them busy. Better yet, involve them in your exercise routine!
3. Work with what you have
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get active at home. With a little creativity and a few household items, you can build your own home gym. You can also jump your way to a healthier heart by getting or even making a skipping rope. "Jumping rope is a great full body workout," Mari says.
4. Try an online workout
Another way to kickstart your physical activity at home is with workout videos. The Vitality Home-Workout Channel has exciting exercise videos for everyone - high intensity, low impact, yoga, Pilates, strength, dance and even workouts for kids. The best part? These expert training videos are freely available to everyone.
You can also join a live online class. The great thing about fitness apps like Octiv, JEFF, Strava and Zwift is that you can exercise in a community from the safety of your home. Join the Team Vitality Running and Team Vitality Cycling communities on Strava for free. Plus, you can join virtual running and cycling challenges and compete with people across the world.
Upcoming challenges you don't want to miss:
- Virtual Vitality Run Series
- Vitality for UNICEF Ride Series - powered by Zwift
- Vitality Running World Cup
5. Use technology to track your progress
You can also track your home workouts with a range of fitness apps and devices. A good smartphone app or a fitness device can tell you when you've been sitting for too long and remind you to move around. It can help you track your steps and workouts, and increase your goal as you get fitter and stronger. As a Discovery Health member, you can track your health and exercise for free with the Vitality Health Tracker.
Finally, accept that the journey is part of the reward
At Discovery, we understand that living a healthier lifestyle has its rewards and challenges. That's why your Discovery Health plan gives you access to Discovery Vitality.
Take a look at what it means to live life with Vitality: