Everyone knows that regular exercise is important to maintain optimal health and wellness. However, with lockdowns still in place across much of the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, access to gyms and exercise equipment can prove challenging. In this article, one of Buffalo, New York's top fitness trainers, Christopher Lee, talks about how you can capitalize on your 2021 resolutions with this four-step plan to building a personalized home workout.
Identify Goals and Capabilities
You should consider your workouts' goals before you head out on building a plan. Are you trying to lose weight, build muscle, or train for a 5k? Or maybe you're trying to do all of those things? Whatever your goals are, write them down. Be aware of what you are trying to accomplish, and set realistic expectations.
You'll also need to consider how much investment you want to put into your home workout. While this could mean money—perhaps you will want to buy additional equipment such as a pull-up bar or dumbbell weights, it also means time. Suppose you can devote an hour a day, then more power to you. But if you're a little bit shorter on time, 30 minutes will do.
Build Your Workout
Everyone's workout will look different, but make sure that you including some of these key elements:
- A combination of cardiovascular and strength training
- Hit all muscle groups
- Find time to rest your body
Depending on your fitness goals laid out in step 1, you might up the strength or cardiovascular training. But that doesn't mean you can completely neglect the other. Additionally, you'll want to hit all muscle groups with your strength routine. These include:
- Quads
- Glutes and Hamstrings
- Chest, shoulder, triceps
- Backs, biceps, grip
- Core
Don't work out the same muscle group two days in a row. On Monday, hit legs, on Tuesday, go for a run, and then go for the chest and shoulders on Wednesday. Make sense?
Dedicate Time and Space
Now that you've built the outline for your workout, it's time to dedicate time and space to your practice. Whether it's the garage, basement, or living room, have an area that you return to that is somewhat sacred and undisturbed.
Additionally, the most successful workout regimens are completed routinely. Are you going to work out in the morning? Lunch? At night? Figure this element out and stick to it; you'll be much more likely to achieve your fitness goals.
Celebrate Successes
When it comes to working out at home, it's essential to note your progress. Track your improvements and record them so that you can see your improvements and celebrate all the great work you are doing.
This will keep you motivated to keep working out. Who knows—maybe you'll love your personalized in-home routine so much that you'll never have to return to the gym. Keep things interesting with new workouts and set realistic goals—you'll always have a reason to celebrate your fitness achievements!
About Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee is a certified fitness trainer from Buffalo, New York, who specializes in designing workout plans to avoid injury in the pursuit of an athletic physique, mindset, and lifestyle. Mr. Lee emphasizes a healthy diet and lifestyle so clients can fuel properly to get the most out of their workouts and reach their fitness goals. When he is not working with his clients, Christopher Lee can be found at a hot yoga class, practicing martial arts, or spending time with his friends and family in Buffalo.
