With the end of daylight savings time, there is no way to deny that the dark, cold winter months are upon us. Now we have early sunsets, frigid temperatures, and rain or snow. Getting outside to exercise is much less appealing than it was during the spring and summer.
Usually, this would be when many fitness enthusiasts switch to an indoor exercise plan. Gyms and recreation centers are the usual go-to spots for that, but with covid restrictions, that may not be feasible. If you’re worried about health and safety – or if your state is ordering health clubs to close – you will need to find another option for exercising this winter.
The good news is that it has never been easier to set up a home workout center. Between apps and affordable equipment, anyone can set themselves up for quality workouts at home. It just takes a little planning ahead.
Here are a few tips for getting on top of your winter workout plans.
Designate some real estate
Unless you have a fitness plan that only requires you to jump up and down in one place with your arms at your sides, you need some space to move around.
How much space you need depends on what kind of home workout you plan to follow. Suppose you’re going to focus on bodyweight resistance training. In that case, you can get away with designating a portion of a room as your workout space. If you’re considering installing some big equipment, you’ll need to plan around that. Get out the measuring tape and make sure anything you buy will fit into your home.
Another thing to consider when planning a workout space is proximity to windows. Natural light is an excellent addition to a workout but privacy matters too. Think carefully about what you want your neighbors to see if they happen to glance at your windows.
Find some equipment
Contrary to what advertisers tell you, you don’t need a Peloton bike for a great workout at home. If you want a bike like that and have the money and space for it, great! That’s a terrific way to work out at home. But for those of us with smaller budgets or smaller floor plans, there are other options for home equipment.
Hand weights, yoga mats, and resistance bands don’t take up much space. They can be packed away easily so you don’t have to have them out when you’re not using them as well.
If you want more intensive weight training, you can invest in a bench and free weights. This requires a designated space for the bench, of course, but that’s worth it for the benefit you would get.
If you shop around, you can often find good deals on this sort of equipment. You can also check local listservs or Facebook groups to see if anyone is selling gently used gear. You might be able to get a great bargain on high-quality equipment.
For folks who love indoor cardio, you’re going to need to invest money and space for the gear. Even a folding treadmill has a pretty big footprint in your living space. Moreover, heavy cardio equipment like treadmills and exercise bikes might not be practical if you live in an apartment with someone below you. Your lease might even have clauses preventing that. Check to make sure you’re allowed to have a treadmill or bike before you buy one.
If you do want to make that investment, do your research. Figure out what features you need and don’t give in to the temptation to buy more machine than you will use. You can purchase cardio equipment used, but if you do, make sure you plan to transport and install it. A treadmill might weigh hundreds of pounds. You will definitely need help moving it.
You also want to think about what you want in screens, speakers, and mirrors. A big TV is easier to see, but an iPad might be good enough if there isn’t space for workout equipment in a room with a television monitor. Portable speakers are helpful if you like a soundtrack to pump yourself up. And if your only big mirror is in the bathroom, you should think about buying one rather than trying to evaluate your form while standing in the tub.
Get a support group together
Working out can be more fun with a friend. Having someone on the same fitness journey means you have a cheerleader to encourage you, as well as someone to chat with during workouts. It’s also easier to be accountable when you have a partner counting on you to join them for a class or session with weights.
That’s all a little different with social distancing rules but you don’t need to workout in total isolation. Nothing is stopping you from scheduling a Zoom call with your usual workout buddy so you can talk to each other while doing a home workout. If you like to join interactive classes, you can sign on at the same time as a friend, and that’s almost like doing a Zumba class together. Of course, on days when you get a break in the weather, you can always go for a walk or run together outdoors.
Carve out time
Without traffic, weather, or parking as an excuse not to exercise, it’s a little harder to find a reason to skip a workout. That doesn’t mean we can’t all find reasons to take an extra rest day when we don’t really need one. Who doesn’t like to curl up on the couch instead of hopping on a rowing machine or tuning in to an online HIIT session?
That’s why it’s a good idea to block out time to exercise even if you’re doing it at home. Maybe you could start getting up early to work out before you shower. If you tend to lose track of time when you work from home, set a reminder on your phone so it prompts you to get up and get moving. Have your workout buddy text you when it’s time to sweat.
If you really want to motivate yourself, pay in advance for a series of online exercise classes. You might be less likely to skip something you already paid for.
Find exercise videos you love
Workout videos have come a long way since Jane Fonda and her leg warmers hit VHS machines. Streaming services mean there is an endless supply of workouts you can do from home. There are subscription plans like Peloton, where you can log into a live session. There are apps with pre-recorded activities you can do, such as Aaptiv or the new Apple Fitness + app. YouTube, AmazonPrime, and Netflix all have a wide selection of workout videos to choose from as well. Try a few out and bookmark your favorites. Ask friends for recommendations of new and different videos if you want to mix it up.
Final Words
Once you have the time, the gear, a buddy, and a plan, there is no reason you can stay as fit in the winter as you were when the days were long and the weather was perfect. Building a home workout takes a little bit of creativity and discipline but it can be just as effective and rewarding as going to the gym.