Regular exercise can keep your bones strong, prevent falls, improve your energy levels, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Yes, exercising is good for you, but the motivation needed to do it doesn’t always strike when you need it.
While it’s not always easy to keep up with an exercise routine, particularly if you are not used to exercising daily, it’s essential for staying healthy, especially as you get older. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you stay motivated to exercise.
In this blog, you’ll learn tips on how to get motivated to exercise at home, provide some simple exercises for seniors at home, and answer common questions about starting a home workout routine.
How to Get Motivated to Exercise at Home: 8 Simple Tips
Starting a new exercise routine at home can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and mindset, it’s easier than you think. Here are eight simple tips to help you get started and keep going:
1. Keep it Simple
If your workout routine is too strenuous, you might quickly grow frustrated and it becomes difficult to keep up with. You may even risk injury if you start with exercises that are too intense. There are seated exercises for seniors that you can do to get you started.
It’s best to start with light exercise and increase the intensity incrementally. Try 10 minutes of chair yoga daily or simple stretches to ease into the habit.
There are many simple exercises to do at home for beginners that you can incorporate into your daily routine. You can always add more with time.
2. Exercise With a Friend
We know it’s really hard to figure out how to get motivated to exercise at home. When you’re at home, sleeping or watching Netflix just sounds more appealing. However, daunting tasks are easier when you don’t have to do them by yourself or have an accountability partner. Find a friend whom you can encourage and motivate to work out at home, and they can do the same for you. The bonus point is that you can help one another stay motivated.
If you can’t work out with friends in person, schedule a Zoom workout call or a phone check-in to share advice and encouragement. Alternatively, go for a walk outside together if it’s safe.
3. Join a Group
Why not try a virtual workout class? They’re a great way to stay active and meet others from the comfort of home. A class can also be a great way to meet new like-minded people to stay motivated to exercise. There are many classes available for beginners. Joining an online group or forum can also provide ongoing support and accountability.
There are many recommended exercises for seniors at home virtually. Virtual lessons are becoming more and more popular as an alternative for people who can’t attend in-person work out at home together.
4. Establish a Routine
Research suggests you are more likely to stick to your workout routine if you combine it with something you already do every day. You can make your workout more enjoyable by listening to your favourite music or watching your favourite television programme. Alternatively, exercising while working from home can also be easier if you incorporate your routine into a daily ritual. For example, set aside time to do your exercises after your morning coffee or while watching the evening news. Following your workout with a pleasant activity like a relaxing bath can also be a good motivator.
5. Focus on Your Goals
While it’s hard to start exercising while working from home, it’s important to remind yourself of the benefits. How will daily exercise improve your quality of life? Make a list of things you hope to gain or accomplish through daily exercise. You may want to improve your stamina so you can play with your grandchildren. Maybe you’d like to go on holiday and walk around a historic city. Perhaps you simply want to live a more energetic lifestyle.
Keeping your goals in mind will make it easier to stay motivated.
6. Talk With Your Healthcare Provider
Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you about the benefits of exercise and give you tips on how to get motivated to exercise at home. More importantly, a healthcare provider can make sure your workout routine is safe and right for you. This is particularly crucial if you are recovering from an injury or managing a medical condition.
What are the safest exercises for someone with a medical condition? Your healthcare provider can help answer this question and guide you toward a routine tailored to your needs.
7. Connect With Home Health Services
Even if you’re just doing seated exercises for seniors, it’s still important to be guided accordingly.
Home health care services are an important resource for seniors. Talking with your home health care nurse about starting a basic exercise routine at home can offer advice and connect you with resources and support to help you on your journey. Regular sessions with a home health care service can also help you stay on task and motivated to keep exercising.
8. Enjoy the Benefits of Exercise at Home
Starting an exercise routine can seem overwhelming to beginners. By starting with the basics, focusing on your goals, and taking advantage of the resources available, you can discover the benefits of working out regularly. Here are some benefits:
- Convenience: No need to travel to a gym. You can work out anytime that suits you.
- Cost-Effective: Save money on gym memberships and expensive equipment.
- Customisation: Tailor your routine to your fitness level and personal goals.
- Privacy: Exercise in a comfortable and familiar environment without feeling self-conscious.
- Flexibility: Adjust your workout schedule around your daily commitments.
- Safety: Focus on low-impact exercises and gradually build your strength without pressure.
By starting with the basics, focusing on your goals, and taking advantage of the resources available, you can discover the benefits of working out regularly. Once you experience the rewards of daily exercise, you will be more motivated to continue. A regular exercise routine can help you live a longer, healthier, more active, and more independent life.
Motivated to Exercise?
Figuring out how to get motivated to exercise at home may seem challenging at first, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By keeping your routine simple, incorporating support from friends or groups, setting meaningful goals, and using available resources like healthcare professionals or home health services, you can make regular exercise a sustainable part of your life.
Remember, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey. With dedication, you’ll not only see the physical benefits but also feel more energetic, confident, and empowered to lead a healthier, happier life.
