New Year resolutions…whether you love them or hate them, we can all agree that fitness related goals are often top the lists come January 1st; and by the month of February, those goals may have waned or been completely forgotten. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to start and stop at the gym. Creating a home environment to encourage success and healthy living year-round is easier than you may think. Read on for some home health and fitness ideas to help inspire & motivate:
Small space? No problem…
Home workouts don’t need to take up a lot of space. The activity you choose will most often dictate the amount of room you need. If you don’t have the luxury of a gym room at home, throw a yoga mat down in front of the TV in the living room or at the end of your bed! Storing small free weights in baskets will get them out of the way, but ensure they are easily accessible. And remember, body training (think squats, lunges, and sit-ups) are completely free and take up barely any room at all!
If your basement is undeveloped, purchase some foam interlocking floor mats to create a dedicated workout area. It doesn’t have to be pretty to be functional.
Make Yourself a Routine and Stick to It
It takes 21 days or more to form new habits. Creating a routine for your workouts and healthy lifestyle is as important to sticking to it. If you find yourself losing motivation throughout the week try to commit to simple changes. You could meal planning every Sunday over breakfast. In addition, swapping the first cup of coffee with a glass of lemon water. Another great option is to invite a friend over to join you, having a buddy keeps the motivation going. Small tweaks will add up to big changes in no time.
Creating Yourself a Meal Plan
Creating a meal plan for the week ahead not only sets you up for success it also cuts down on the impulse snacking and last minute dinner rush. Meal planning also helps the urge to order delivery or go for takeout. Start by choosing a few nights a week that you are free to cook, and pick those recipes ahead of time. Freezing individual servings of green smoothie mixes will cut down on breakfast prep time. Stock your fridge and pantry with pre-made snack bags, such as cut veggies or handfuls of trail mix, to make on the go eating a breeze.
Motivate Yourself for Hard Work
Motivation often comes in the form of a reward. Maybe it’s sticking to your weekly meal plans, and treating yourself to a glass of wine and dessert at the end of the week. Or maybe it’s a reward in the form of a bigger ticket item like that new home décor item you’ve been wanting to buy. Whatever the “treat” don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work!
