Another new year is coming but start a routine now
Well, it’s November and the holiday season is about to kick in. Dare I ask, “Where did this year go?” I mean Turkey Day is right around the corner and then we’re into Christmas and New Year’s (which means resolutions!) and with holidays comes a potential for just a bit of over-indulgence. I am going to throw out some ideas for you to work on your fitness now and keep it up throughout the holidays versus waiting until the new year to start.
When it comes to the workout piece of fitness, you don’t necessarily have to go to a gym, but it could be an option. If you don’t have the space, money, or desire to build out your own home-gym, then a commercial gym (Planet Fitness, 24-hour Fitness, Golds, etc.) membership may be ideal. I personally have never been one for going to a commercial gym and spending a monthly fee for a “subscription” that I infrequently use. This has more to do with my situation and having space for my own home-use equipment. Conversely, I would offer that going to a gym and paying the monthly fee could be an option to kick-start YOUR fitness regimen. The key here is to start now and even pay a personal trainer to create a program that can get you motivated and interested in health and fitness.
If you’re like me and have the space for some equipment, think small scale first. You probably shouldn’t spend thousands of dollars on a full home gym without knowing what you really need or want for your workout journey. Must haves include a multi-use bench with flat, incline, and decline settings, a set of dumbbells and a place to keep them. I have the BowFlex SelectTech® with weights ranging from 5 to 52.5 lbs. You would be surprised how many exercises you can accomplish with just a decent set of dumbbells. I think having the equipment in the house increases the odds of using it. It doesn’t matter so much what you have, what matters is that you use it.
If you don’t have the space or want bulky equipment, then think old-school calisthenics. Pushups, bodyweight squats or jumping jacks can be performed without equipment or much space. No room for cardio? You could also create a workout by walking up stairs. If you don’t think walking upstairs will kick your butt, try increasing the intensity by hopping up a flight of stairs on one foot and alternate on the way to the top floor. Another option for cardio is jump rope. You’ll be surprised the cardio output needed to jump rope for ten minutes! Yoga or barre-type workouts can be followed along with a video (e.g., YouTube bodyweight exercises) and require little to no equipment. You can use a chair for balance and who really needs a yoga mat?
What fitness comes down to is this – GET STARTED. No matter what your options are (gym membership, home gym, bodyweight exercises) don’t use the holidays as an excuse to push off your health and wellness and swear that you’ll make that resolution for 2024. Get up, get moving, and prioritize your fitness today!As always, I welcome your feedback, suggestions and ideas. Ericray4470@gmail.com
