indoor workouts (fitness tips + my current routine)

Before there were orders to stay indoors, to social distance, and to isolate....my schedule largely consisted of work and the gym. Things have certainly changed. There is a part of me that misses working out at the gym. Though truthfully, I have always been a home workout kind of gal. I am extremely familiar with the work of Jane Fonda, Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, GymRa, Fitness Blender, and a number of other exercise enthusiasts. (For some DVD suggestions be sure to check out my top five favourite workouts.) So while there is a part of me missing my gym time, this has also given me the chance to re-commit myself to at home fitness. This might be a bit of an adjustment for some. However, it is also a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the space you have. Here are a few indoor workout tips as well as some information about my current fitness routine.

Indoor Fitness Tips to Add to Your Day

It isn't always easy to workout at home. There are so many others things calling for your attention. Maybe the dishes have piled up or you still have a couple episodes of Tiger King to finish streaming on Netflix. Distractions are everywhere! So how can you focus on working out? Here are a few helpful tips and tricks to motivate yourself from the comfort of your home.

• Schedule All Workouts. Sticking to a schedule is essential. If you are someone that likes to do lists, write down your daily workout on your to do list. Or you can set an alarm every day for a specific time and workout then. The key here is to actively schedule your workout. If you have already allotted time for it in your day (and are mentally prepared to workout) you are far more likely to follow through. 
• Dress the Part. It is absolutely possible to get a good workout in wearing sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt. However, it can be beneficial to dress the part. At least a little bit. Wear workout gear that you would typically wear out for a jog or to the gym. Or you can wear a simple t-shirt in a colour that makes you feel good. Putting in that little extra dash of effort will mentally shift you into a workout mindset. 
• Don't Worry Too Much About Equipment. While it is certainly nice to have certain pieces of workout equipment in your home...it isn't a necessity. Don't let a lack of weights stop you from getting a good sweat on! There are many different body weight only workouts (check YouTube for some free options) or you can improvise with heavy candles or other items that are already in your home. Get creative and don't give up. 
• Keep Track of What You Accomplish. Every single workout is an achievement. Every single one. So celebrate your successes. Keep track of your workouts in a notebook or on your phone. Write down what you did, how long you worked out for, and if you have noticed any progress in your fitness level. Being mindful of those accomplishments will motivate you to keep going...even when you may not feel like it. 

My Current Workout Routine

Two words: Jen Widerstrom. All I can say is thank goodness for her quarantine workouts and fitness plans. The trainer, athlete, and former Biggest Loser coach has been very active lately. She has been doing livestream workouts five days a week over on her Facebook page. If you can't make the livestream...that's okay. Every workout is saved so it can be viewed any time. (Interested? You can check them all out on Jen Widerstrom's Facebook Page.) There are new workout moves every day. For instance, one day will be full body, another leg day, then arms or upper back, core and cardio, and an active recovery day. The variety is wonderful. Especially for me because I have a tendency to get bored doing the same thing over and over again. This schedule keeps me challenged and motivated to keep pushing forward. To stay active during this uncertain time.

Even if you don't have workout essentials like weights and kettle bells, it doesn't matter. The workouts Jen has been sharing on her Facebook lives are primarily body weight focused. There are a few suggested items, like a chair or towel, but there are modifications based on the equipment you have available. This makes the workouts accessible for everyone. There are also modifications given based on strength level. Jen's workouts are not only free to view but they are also really motivating. She is so uplifting and encouraging - which is something I have really needed lately. The gratitude I have for her continued work and all of her livestreams is indescribable.

How have you been staying active lately? Share your own tips and suggestions in the comment section below!