With summer coming, lots of people want to lose a few pounds to feel good in their warm-weather clothes — I’m one of them. I’m working to shed the weight I put on over winter so my summer outfits fit better. I lost some weight a few months ago, and now I’m pushing again to lose a bit more.
My plan is simple: pay closer attention to what I eat and count calories, and stay active to boost my metabolism. I tried calorie counting in March and it worked well, but I only kept it up for three weeks. Now I’m back to it because it really helps me. Alongside counting calories, I make sure to be active — hiking and cycling on weekends and doing home workouts during the week.
Home workouts are perfect for busy people since you don’t have to go to the gym and you save time. I’ve been doing them for a while, mostly with the 7-Minute app, so I know what it takes to build a routine and stick with it. Here are my top tips to help you start and keep going with workouts at home:
Schedule your workouts
This is my number one tip. It’s easy to say you’ll work out at home and then skip it. Find the best time for you — morning, lunch, or after work — and put it in your daily plan. Write it down and set a reminder. When it’s scheduled, you’re less likely to avoid it.
Have a designated exercise area
Not everyone has a lot of space, but clearing one spot for exercise helps. Move light furniture or push the coffee table aside to make room. If you can, use one room for workouts and keep your mat, towels, and equipment there so it’s ready to go.
Prepare in advance
Lay out your clothes and mat the night before or the morning of your workout. When everything’s ready, you’re much less likely to skip it. If you’ve already done the prep, it’s easier to just start.
Wear comfortable clothes
Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Tight clothes can make you self-conscious and ruin the workout. If your usual clothes don’t fit right now, consider buying an inexpensive, comfortable outfit just for exercising.
Exercise with someone
Working out with a partner or friend makes it more fun and keeps you motivated. Invite someone over and schedule a session. You can encourage each other, compete a little, and even take workouts outside when the weather’s nice.
Vary your routine
Doing the same exercises gets boring and your body stops being challenged. I like 7-minute workouts because they’re quick and effective, but I get bored doing them all the time. Try mixing in other videos and programs so you stay interested and keep seeing results.
Good places to find workouts on YouTube:
– POPSUGAR Fitness
– Kayla Itsines
– FitnessBlender
– The Body Coach TV
There are also paid programs that offer lots of variety, nutrition advice, and support. I tried Beachbody On Demand’s free trial and loved it — hundreds of programs, new workouts added regularly, and PDFs to help plan meals and track progress. If you want more guidance, look for personalized online programs that include exercise videos, coaching, recipe videos, and meal plans. It’s like having a trainer at home for a fraction of the cost.
Get some equipment
Many workouts need no gear, but a few basic items can make exercise more interesting. Dumbbells, a kettlebell, a medicine ball, or resistance bands let you try more workouts. Resistance bands are affordable and great for all levels. An ab roller or TRX trainer is more advanced. Buy what fits your fitness level and budget.
Wrap up
Those are my top tips for working out at home. Do you have any to add? Do you exercise at home or are you planning to start? I’d love to hear your thoughts.