How to train at home

 With self-isolation, keeping fit is now an issue for everyone. So how easy is it? You can go for anything from basic training equipment to setting up a complete gym in a room in your house — both have benefits, but neither is always easy. If you’re worried that you won’t get the same level of training at home as at a gym, you don’t need to worry — but there are conditions. Home training offers many advantages over gym training, but discipline is key — it’s so easy to get distracted. Stay focused when distance learning and training.

 Naturally, Naturally, some of the advantages are obvious: no gym fees required; it’s inexpensive, as basic equipment such as an exercise mat and dumbbells can be bought for a small figure; there are no travel costs and no queuing to use your favourite piece of equipment.

 Conversely, you need the imagination to maintain interest in your training; gymnasium equipment is constantly evolving, so you probably won’t have access to any new advancements; you need to ensure your form is correct without an instructor — be careful to make sure injuries don’t occur; initial outlay is high if you’re planning to set up a gym in your own home; the social aspect — training alone can be boring. IF you are looking for a coach, check our blog post to learn how to look for the most qualified trainers. 

So what equipment do you need?

 There's a huge variety of equipment available, so be sensible when you choose what to buy. As with any activity, depending upon your budget, you can create anything from a full-on gym facility to simply having some dumbbells and a mat. This is what’s available:

Even with a modest budget, you can still train every muscle in your body. It doesn’t take up much room, but you will need an exercise mat, a stability ball, dumbbells and, ideally, a workout bench. You may wish to purchase a heart rate monitor, too. If you are considering a permanent training facility, there’s an extensive range of exercise equipment available. For example: free weights and dumbbells; dedicated weights machines like the chest press machine; cardiovascular equipment like a cross-trainer, rowing machine, treadmill and stationary bike, amongst a few.

In addition, there are weights benches, heavy-duty matting (to protect the floor from damage), mirrors and TV/audio systems.

 Of course, you can complete a perfectly good fitness routine at home: triceps dips, the plank, mountain climbers, lunges and body squats are all effective exercises. As you progress in your training, you can increase the reps you complete of each exercise, raise the number of sets, and also reduce the rest time. Then there's skipping — highly effective for cardio-vascular.

 There are plenty of workout videos available for you to choose from, and they rarely involve any additional equipment besides your own bodyweight.

 At the end of the day, it all depends on the individual, but providing you are prepared to put a little time and effort into your workout, home training can be just as effective as a gym session. The shared experience of a gym has many advantages but, for others, the prospect of going into a gym is daunting, making exercising at home much more appealing. In these difficult times, there is no other option. 

If you need some guidance when it comes to home workouts, consider contacting a personal trainer to get you in shape via video lessons.