Snow way: How to work out without leaving the house this winter
Whether you’re planning to spend the season enjoying the great outdoors or the great indoors, Canadian Tire has everything you need to Bring On Winter fun. From winter activities the whole family will enjoy to tips on building the ultimate home gym, Canadian Tire has the gear you need to stay active this winter, both indoors and out.
Working out at home is becoming an increasingly popular trend, even as gyms and fitness studios open back up, with many Canadians preferring the comfort and convenience of at-home exercise. Add messy winter weather into the mix and setting up shop at home becomes an even more appealing endeavour.
With that said, there are a couple things to think about before starting your new at-home exercise routine. In order to get the most out of your home workouts, you’ll first need to take time to assess your fitness goals, and just as important, set up a functional space with the right equipment.
It’s no secret that staying active is essential for our physical and mental well-being, but even in the best of times, it can be hard to get going. Don’t let winter or other external factors deter you from a much-needed daily sweat session. Set yourself up for year-round success with these tips for keeping your endorphins pumping from the comfort of home.
Invest in space-saving fitness equipment
Most people don’t have room to set up a substantial home gym with all the bells and whistles. But don’t let that deter you. Limited space just means you have to be strategic when deciding what equipment to purchase. A full dumbbell set with a rack might not be realistic, but an adjustable weight set will do the same job while taking up a fraction of the floor space. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell is a compact and adjustable set that takes the place of up to 15 dumbbells, making it a great space-saver.
Workout equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises is also ideal for small spaces. The Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym can be utilized for both upper and lower body as well as ab exercises, and can be hung on any doorway. The TRX Training Fit System Suspension Trainer is another versatile option for total body workouts that can be easily set up for indoor training.
Do bodyweight workouts
If your small space doesn’t allow for equipment, don’t fret. Bodyweight exercises use your own weight as resistance, meaning you can truly exercise anywhere. There are endless bodyweight exercises that focus on cardio or strength so you never have to feel limited by a lack of equipment.
While you don’t have to invest much in order to do bodyweight workouts, we do recommend purchasing a good gym mat. This IGNITE By SPRI Premium Fitness Mat is thick and sturdy, making it ideal for HIIT workouts, yoga and stretching. If you want a mat with more substantial cushioning, the GoodLife Fitness Oversized Gym Mat is your best bet.
Stay on track with a fitness app
One obstacle for those new to home workouts is a lack of motivation, since, unlike with fitness classes, you don’t have an instructor giving you direction or a targeted workout routine.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of fitness apps out there you can subscribe to. Every app has its pros and cons, and targets different workouts and muscle groups. The options are truly endless, so find the one that fits your specific goals and needs.
If space isn’t a concern, consider adding an interactive spin bike to your home gym. The ProForm Smart Power 10.0C Indoor Cycling Stationary/Exercise/Spin Bike features a 7-inch HD touchscreen display so you can stream high-energy studio workouts and feel like you're right back in spin class. It even comes with a 30-day iFIT membership included.
Create a functional, motivating workout space
A cluttered and chaotic space isn’t going to motivate you to work out, but if you’re able to create an area within your home that’s conducive to exercise, you’re more likely to actually use it.
Your ideal space should have enough room to stretch your arms and legs out (a yoga-mat-and-a-half worth of space should suffice), as well as a setup that allows you to easily access your equipment. If you’re limited on floor space, that’s no problem: this can be as simple as finding a basket to store your resistance bands, jump rope, and other small items, such as these durable Cap Solid Dumbbell Weights. Hooks or a pegboard can also be an easy-access (and attractive!) way to store equipment.
Stay consistent and committed
Working out at home comes with its own set of challenges, and one of them will be resisting the urge to sit on the couch rather than exercise. The best way to stay consistent is to set a schedule and stick to it. Treat your at-home workouts like attending a class at a studio or gym, and stay disciplined until the routine becomes a natural part of your day.
To make this task easier, schedule your exercise at a time when you have the most energy. Morning people might opt for a 7 am workout, while night owls are better suited to evening workouts. Find what works for you to create a lasting habit you’ll stick to all winter long, and get a head start on those New Year’s resolutions.
