If working out from home is bumming you out, it’s time to suck it up and work hard anyway. This time in quarantine will separate the winners from the losers and the wheat from the dang chaff.
I get it, working out where you sleep and watch Netflix sucks. But no one knows how long this will last and if you want to have some level of fitness at the end, you’ll have to make the most of the situation.
If you’re finding it difficult to establish a workout routine at home, here are a few ideas to get back on track.
How to work out in 10 minutes
Make a plan and stick to it
Even though this is the simplest and most obvious idea on this list, you need to make a plan.
The main problem when you’re locked in your home is that it’s way too easy to convince yourself to sleep an extra hour or watch that next episode. If you’re alive and sentient at all, you know how easy it is to rationalize getting that workout in tomorrow instead of now.
If you want to come out of this pandemic in decent shape, make a plan to train daily and stick to it. Even 10 minutes of dedication each day will eventually lead to more.
As you would with gym workouts, make a plan that establishes the type of workout you’ll do, the body parts you’ll hit, and the end goals of each workout. With a plan, you’ll be less likely to skip out.
Or better yet get out of the house and go to an open and spacious space that you can train at.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Margaret Gale
Set up a workout area
Almost everyone knows that stepping into a gym means go time. You’ve invested time, money, and effort to be there. These factors make getting into the groove much easier.
But training where you live and sleep can be challenging.
If this describes your situation, set up a specific area for your training, and keep your equipment there.
By dedicating specific space to your workouts, you’ll no-doubt be able to create a different mindset once you step into that “gym” area. This mindset can help you challenge yourself and get the most out of your workouts.
Not to mention, walking past that gym area can help remind you of the importance of your fitness goals. This reminder will help motivate you and make it less likely that you’ll skip a workout.
1000 squats… not my favorite challenge but definitely not the worst thing I’ve ever heard of.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Margaret Gale
Decide on new goals to pursue
If you had specific fitness goals before this mandatory lockdown, you probably feel a bit defeated, especially if you were making some serious progress.
But now, it’s time to stop sulking and decide on a new goal.
No one knows how long you’ll be without your standard equipment. Instead of sulking about your lost gains, pick something new and incredibly challenging to achieve.
Maybe you’ve been slacking on your runs. Fortunately, exercise is considered “essential,” during this quarantine as long as you keep your distance from others. What if you decided on specific running and endurance goals?
What if instead, you set crazy goals like lunging a full mile or performing 1,000 bodyweight squats in less than an hour? Do you think you could?
Even though these goals might not have been what you envisioned, stuff happens, and times change. Suck it up and figure out a new way to be your best self.
There’s no wrong way to get your family involved as long as you aren’t a dick. There’s no reason to make family life harder than it already is.
Photo by Graham Snodgrass
Get your family on board
Last but not least, if you have roommates or live with your family, try to get them on board with your workouts.
On top of promoting a healthy lifestyle and promoting quality family time, exercising with others can make the process much easier.
While not a guarantee, implementing an exercise routine that includes everyone is an excellent way to establish a workout routine. Plus, it can be fun if you’re not in drill instructor mode.
With any luck, you’ll come out of this quarantine with a new vision, strengthened family bonds, and new achievements on your belt. That’s a win-win-win.