How to Work Out at Home and Have Fun While At It

Exercising at home can be a lot of fun if you know how to plan for it. Whether you want to save money, stay inside on a rainy day, or you just feel like being on your own, exercising at home can be as effective as going to the gym.

Of course, here at 8fit we love working out at home, and if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that proper planning can make all the difference when it comes to staying motivated.

Just a few small changes can take your home workout to the next level. We’ll show you how to exercise at home and like it – it’s a whole lot easier than you might think!

How to work out at home: our tips for a great session

1. Get in the mood

Hey, we’re not afraid to admit that there’s a certain allure to working out in your pajamas, and we’re sure there are a few of you out there who would agree. But for some of us, staying in PJs while working out can make it tougher to focus on the actual exercises at hand. Something about those cuddly pajama pants just makes you want to check your phone, take breaks and generally chill out.

If you plan to work out early in the morning, lay your workout clothes out before bed and in plain view upon waking – after all, getting dressed is half the battle. Decision fatigue – aka those feelings of disorganization you feel in the morning – is something you can easily avoid with a little bit of pre-planning. It can save you time, energy and a whole lot of frustration.

2. Hold yourself accountable

Just because you’re working out at home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it differently than any other workout, or appointment for that matter.

• Pencil your workout into your planner so that you have a physical reminder to workout. You could even just write it down on a post-it note – the point is that you physically note it down. Just the act of writing down your goal will help cement it in your mind and add an extra level of urgency (in a positive way).

• Set a reminder or an alarm on your phone when it’s time to work out. No snoozing!

• Make rules using “If…then” statements. For example: “If I don’t complete my workout today, then I won’t watch Netflix after dinner.” Drawing boundaries like these can help you stick to your goals.

• Tell a friend, family member or your partner that you intend to exercise on a set day and have them hold you accountable. A little peer pressure can’t hurt in this instance.

3. Reduce temptations

Sometimes, all it can take is the vibration of a smartphone to disturb your workout routine and throw you totally off track.

Think about it – we’re available to our friends and family almost nonstop thanks to social media and our phones. You owe it to yourself to enjoy some me-time, especially when exercising. Be completely present by avoiding the lure to lose focus by dedicating your workout time to you and you alone.

Not only will you have a more effective workout, but you’ll also invest in a little bit of self-care. You deserve it!

4. Listen to your favorite music

When it comes to working out, a great song can make or break your momentum. Sometimes, all it takes is just one catchy tune to change your attitude towards your workout completely.

Let’s say, for example, you’re working out, and you start to realize how oh-so-tempting the couch looks. Stop what you’re doing and change the song. Put on something that’s fast, uplifting and energizing. Now’s the time to belt out the lyrics to that guilty pleasure track as you crush your 8fit routine. Remember, it’s your special time, and that means you can listen to whatever gets your heart pumping.

We recommend making a playlist that’s full of highs and lows, ups and downs and everything in between. Keep yourself on your toes and shuffle your songs so you’ll be surprised by what comes next.

5. Head outside

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard of your own, why not use it? Get on out there and enjoy a productive workout outside the house to mix it up. Just bring your phone outside with you and do your routine in the fresh air.

For those without a backyard, you can also change things up by heading out to a local park. Perch yourself near a bench in case you need it for one of your exercises, and you’re good to go.

Take your home workout from drab to fab

Just a few changes can make a huge difference in the quality of your home workouts. Once you learn how to work out at home, you’ll find it gets easier and easier to create the perfect environment for you. It’s important to keep up a regular routine so that it becomes part of your regular schedule.

You may even find that exercising at home is even better than at the gym – you’ll get to shower in the comfort of your own bathroom, save money and blare your tunes as loud as you want (or as loud as your neighbors tolerate). There are plenty of 8fit exercises to keep you busy – whether you want to work on your core, arms, glutes or all of the above, you’ll find the perfect home workout in our app.