5 Tips For Working Out At Home
We are all still spending way more time at home, it’s as vital as ever that we keep looking after ourselves both physically and mentally, we all know the two are indelibly connected and when we MOVE WELL we FEEL WELL.
I have been providing online workouts that can be done in your own time for a few years now, and of course with the arrival of COVID, my hope to make pilates accessible to everybody, anywhere, anytime came to fruition in the creation of PilatesNow.ie.
I do realise there is a certain amount of discipline required to maintain your home workout routine, it’s a balancing act for everyone. I really admire my clients who have kept up their practice, carved out time for themselves and stayed on track. The reality is that whether you are working from home or straddling between work and homelife, time is in short supply and it can be a struggle for us all.
I’ve picked up a few tips along the way and want to share them with you, to help you stay on track and see results.
Tip 1: Find YOUR best workout time and keep consistent
For some it’s first thing in the morning, before everyone else wakes up (not me!). For others it’s after the kids have been dropped off and you have some time for yourself. If you are working, think about including a short workout during your lunch break or after work allowing you a chance to unwind, de-stress and reset.
So you may be looking to energise and get your day started on the right note, or to get a new shot of energy in the middle of the day, or unwind after a long day at work, or you could vary it between all the above on a given day. Listen to your body and see what make you feel better.
Tip 2: Find your space
The simplicity of a home workout is you don’t have dress up and go anywhere. You just need enough space for your mat and then it’s click and off you go. Make sure everyone in your house knows this is YOUR time, and the consistency of doing it the same time every week really helps keep your routine on track. Lots of my clients tell me they tell their family that they are going to pilates, even if it’s in their own house.
Why not do all of that in a beautiful space, so you can begin to reap the benefits as soon as you roll out your mat, and if you have time after your practice, grab a blanket, stretch out and breathe. And if you are lucky enough to have a dedicated space, you could just leave your mat rolled out ready for your next workout – heaven!
Tip 3: PAUSE for thought
You can pause me, I really don’t mind! In fact when I’m doing workouts I pause and replay a lot, so I can understand and get the technique right, and once I’ve mastered that I can flow more easily and get even more out of the workout next time round. Pilates is a learning practice, we are always learning and improving, making progress not chasing perfection.
Every day is different too, so listen to what your body needs, and go with the pace that feels right for you, which might be a more challenging longer class on Monday morning, and a short gentle flow on a Friday! Remember any movement is great, incorporate movement into your workday too, include regular breaks, stand up, move and stretch #movementismedicine
Tip 4: Simplicity is key
You don’t need a load of complicated gear and expensive equipment to get a good, effective workout in. All you need is a mat, a device and a willingness to move. Pilates is a wonderful combination of core strength and flexibility. We use our bodyweight to build strength and tone. At PilatesNow.ie our workouts are mat based, and any equipment that’s used can be found easily in your own home, but every workout can also be done without equipment.
So keep it simple, grab you mat, select a workout from our calendar or library, press play and move, your body will thank you.
Tip 5: Have a plan
Where do I start? There is so much choice out there, it can be quite intimidating, you spend more time scrolling and looking for a workout than doing it. We have included a workout calendar which will help you with workout selection, if you just want to get it done, move more, scroll less.
Not being familiar with the instructor or the pace can lead to less motivation and interest. At PilatesNow.ie all our workouts are designed and led by me, Goretti. I am lucky, I have a Physical Therapy clinic, a live studio, a pilates membership site, 2 kids and a new puppy! I get it! Life is busy, so I’ve designed PilatesNow for people like me, who want to get a great workout in, who want to feel stronger, who want to feel energised, who want to BREATHE.
If you’re time is short, we suggest doing a workout from our PILATES ON THE GO area. We are designed to move, and if you complete even a 10-15 minutes session you will feel better for it. If you prefer to follow a course, we have a number of progressive courses that you can follow from week to week, from entry level all the way up to the more experienced mover. Working thought these progressively, you will really see progress. And depending on your schedule, you can move between both, short workouts for the busier days, and a longer routine when you have some extra time. Have a plan, but be flexible, and have some fun!
Goretti x
About PilatesNow.ie
Our classes are progressive and challenging and will perfectly complement your current fitness routine. Progressive courses are available from absolute beginner and rehab patient to elite athletes and experienced movers. Designed and led by an experienced Physical Therapist, you can be assured you are in safe hands. We have a mixture of longer courses and shorter classes for people on the go. Our workout calendar is proving very popular, if you’re undecided on a workout we suggest one for you, or you can choose from over 60 workouts available in our library. There really is something for everybody.
So go ahead and join us, doing so just may change your life for the better.
See you on the mat!
Goretti x