Working out at home has become the norm for most of us during various lockdowns this year. Although it can be hard to motivate yourself without the atmosphere of a really good gym, there are benefits, such as not having to travel to fit in your workout. That said, not everyone is able to workout from home effectively. Here are some common mistakes people make when trying to work out from home.
Buying too much equipment
You don’t need a full-kitted out gym to be able to work out at home. Most of us don’t have the space for a whole load of large, bulky equipment, but if you are clever and choose items that don’t take up too much room, and can have multiple uses, you will find it much easier. Something like this cast iron kettlebell, for example, is incredibly versatile and can be added to different exercises, from squats to situps, to add more weight and work different muscles, but takes up little room. You can easily put it away somewhere accessible and still get a decent workout.
Ignoring form
When you’re in a class at the gym or working with a personal trainer, there is someone available to correct your form, however, at home, it’s easy to forget the importance of form. Not only does an incorrect position mean you might not be working the muscles you are intending (or really any at all!), but you are massively increasing the risk of a painful injury. To combat this, set up a mirror and remind yourself regularly to check your form.
Getting distracted
Everything at home is a distraction and you might find halfway through a set you remember you need to put the washing in the drier, or you just quickly check a text and find yourself scrolling through Instagram. The best way to make the most of your workout time is to avoid any distractions. Put some music on but then move your phone out of reach and focus on the task at hand, as this will be better for your body and your mind.
Not resting
With a set up in your home, it can be tempting to work out constantly, every day, and you may assume that that will get you results quicker. However, that is not the case. For your body to repair tissue and muscle, it needs time to rest and if you work too hard a few days in a row, your body will get injured. Try to get your body moving every day, but don’t make every day a hardcore workout day!
Working out from home can be hugely beneficial and is a great way to improve physical and mental health during these difficult times, but there are plenty of things to consider before jumping in with both feet. You’ll get much more out of it if you consider these mistakes before you make them yourself!
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