There are lots of ways to exercise at home. However, when it comes to being effective, I think the biggest factor comes down to convenience. Below are 7 home exercise tips.
If you don’t have to make a lot of effort to set up your equipment, prepare your space, put on special clothes or set aside a long period of time, you are much more likely to get your workout done. Here are a few pointers on how to make your workouts more convenient – and therefore effective.
Concept2 At-Home Exercise Tips:
1. If possible, designate a space for your regular workouts.
This doesn’t mean that your machine has to be set up all the time. You can store it in a closet or out of the way when not in use. However, having a designated area specifically for rowing will make it easier and faster to set up your indoor rower when you are ready to go.
Indoor rowers don’t take up a lot of floor space. Therefore, many people leave them set up all the time.
On the other hand, if you have a small apartment, machines like the recumbent bike rower and Lifespan RW1000 are easy to lift, roll and store upright in a corner of a room.
2. Choose a spot that motivates you.
This will be different for each person. Face out a window with a nice view. Position your rower in front of a large TV where you can watch the news. Or, set it up outside where you can breathe in fresh air.
You get the point. Find a location that you like and that will make it easier to get on your machine. Every little bit helps, especially if don’t have a lot of time and are on the fence about whether to workout or not.
3. Do your workout first thing in the morning.
This is a key factor in how to to exercise at home effectively. I find that when I start my day with my exercise routine, I’m more likely to get it done.
Appointments, time commitments and other distractions do not get in the way. When I can dedicate my attention to my workout, I find that I can focus more on rowing technique.
I can also save time because I don’t have to change out of my work clothes like I would at the end of the day – plus I haven’t showered yet anyway.
4. Prepare your workouts in advance.
Mixing up your routine will keep rowing interesting and improve your weight loss and muscle-building results.
For example, schedule interval training on Mondays, distance training on Tuesdays, short sprints on Wednesdays, skill practice on Thursdays and tabata or burst workouts on Fridays. When you plan in advance, it makes it easier to just get on your rower in the morning and just start.
If you want to mix it up even more, other exercises to do at home include jumping rope, air squats, push ups and sit ups. These can be done with or without weights and can be done in addition to rowing or instead of it.
5. Along those same lines, prepare your space in advance.
Get your gear ready the night before (ie. music, drink, tv remote, clothes, towel, etc..). In addition to taking away distractions prior to starting your rowing workout, this strategy also helps put you in the “workout mindset” so that you can have a better session.
6. Get a mat for your rowing machine.
Some people overlook this step when buying a rower but later on realize that it really is helpful. A rowing mat helps the machine from sliding around on a smooth hardwood floor, but it also helps keep your workout area cleaner, which is another time-saver as well.
7. Don’t forget to stretch afterwards.
After-workout stretching will help you prepare for tomorrow’s workout. Remember, rowing works virtually all major muscle groups and an intense session can leave you sore the next day. Therefore, stretch out to prevent stiffness.
