Working out at home over the past few months has been a challenge, and I know that a lot of regular gym go-ers felt the same. At home workouts just aren't quite the same as escaping to the gym and lifting weights, practicing your deadlift technique, trying out all sorts of exercises on the cable machine and smashing your leg press PB.Despite the gyms being back open, I know that I'm not alone in feeling uncomfortable heading back there with COVID still being bad, so at home workouts are still very much a thing for me. Chances are, if you've been working out at home for the past 6 months, you're probably pretty bored of your routine so I thought I would share my three favourite sources for at-home workouts. I've got a recommendation for full body challenges, HIIT workouts, and even one for yoga too. Let me know if you try any out!
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Get Gorgeous is a transformation plan designed by the wonderful Carly Rowena, who I've been following for the longest time. She released it quite a few years ago, but it's still available and it's the perfect guide for doing at home. The guide is a 12 week transformation plan, each week containing one legs & butt day, one upper body day and one abs day. You'll also need a resistance band, kettle bell, dumbell, skipping rope and a step, but if you don't have weights it's no problem as all the exercises can be done without weights.
I love the variety of Carly's guide, and with three difficulties (beginner, intermediate and hardcore) you can really tailor it to your fitness level. When I did the plan for the first time a few years back I saw insane results when paired with a healthy, balanced (not-too-strict) diet. As the workout plan is only 3 days, I tended to do 2 cardio days at the gym too, but if you're not in the gym I'd pair with maybe an outdoor run or even just a brisk walk.
HIIT, also known as high-intensity interval training, is a training technique where you do intense bursts of exercise, usually 30 to 60 seconds, followed by short recovery periods. When we went into lockdown the first thing I started missing, exercise wise, was the HIIT classes that I went to at my gym. They were quick workouts that made me sweat and really got those endorphins pumping, plus I felt like I was getting fitter the more I did them.
Benefits of HIIT workouts:
- burns a lot of calories in minimal time
- reduces blood pressure
- great for fat burning
- improves heart health
- can increase your metabolism
- no equipment/minimal equipment necessary
- it's always challenging
As a replacement for my sorely missed gym classes I found Mr & Mrs Muscle on YouTube. They're a husband and wife duo who live in Dubai (hello dreamy video backdrops) and share a range of fast and effective HIIT workouts on their channel. They have a range of workouts from 10 minutes to 45 minutes, focussing on different areas of the body. My personal favourites are their 10 minute 'super sweaty cardio' workouts. I normally choose around 3-5 of their videos, depending on length, to create my ultimate workout. I'm always dripping in sweat after working out with them, I don't think i've ever done one and not had to reach for my sweat towel - lovely. They also have apartment friendly workouts too for those of you who can't really be jumping around on your floorboards!
Yoga has been a lifesaver for me, especially during the early stages of lockdown. Taking the time out of your day to just be with yourself, focus on your breathing and have a little stretch is the best feeling and something you will never regret doing. I used to dismiss yoga as a workout - 'why would I do a workout that is not going to make me sweat?', well the benefits of yoga are fantastic and newsflash: you don't need to sweat to be having a good workout.
Benefits of yoga:
- increases strength, flexibility and balance
- can improve sleep
- improves your breathing technique
- improves your posture
- helps with stress relief
- get a sense of inner calm
- helps with concentration
I recommend using Yoga With Adriene on YouTube, particularly if you are new to yoga. She has lots of beginner videos and a few 30 day challenges which are great for monitoring your progress and nailing the basics of yoga. The 30 day challenges do require dedication as they're daily, but the sessions generally only last between 15 - 40 minutes a day and they really are worth it. Adriene's bubbly and relatable personality is what encourages me to stick at the sessions and I have no doubt that you'll all feel the same!
I can't wait to head back to the gym, but until then I'll be cracking on with a combination of these workouts. I try to do four or five weighted or HIIT sessions a week (if I'm not following the Get Gorgeous Plan) and at least one or two yoga sessions to keep my stress levels down.
Let me know if you give any of these a go, and I'd love to hear any recommendations you have too!
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