No Excuses! 8 Secret Weapons for Sculpting Your Body At Home
We are all human. We know how annoying it is to wake up at 6 am on a weekday and cringe at how unbelievably cold and dark it is outside, especially when it is the middle of winter. You think to yourself, ” Get dressed and head to the gym? HA!” So, instead, you burrow deeper into your covers and sleep for another hour or two. You’ll try to talk yourself into heading to the gym after work, but for some reason it doesn’t always pan out as you had hoped?
If this story sounds familiar to you (hey, we’re guilty of it too!), we have got just the solution for you… Home workouts. Working out from home has countless benefits. You can work on completing your sets, decreasing body consciousness (so you can focus on the task, instead), and you can do it all in in your PJs. Awesome. In addition, you will have no excuse not to do it. You will learn to be more accountable for how much you push yourself and how many days you follow through.
While working out from home is not anything new, not all of us have the luxury of having our own personal home gym or live-in trainer. While we can dream of it, we have to get savvy and implement the proper tools for an effective routine. Here are some of my greatest secret weapons.
1. bodyrock.tv
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Body Rock TV is filled with great workout videos and examples. Whether it’s HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training Cardio) or Strength Training, the straightforwardness of the website - which includes how long you have to do a particular move, the equipment required, etc. - is a great fit for anyone, whether you are just starting out or are more experienced. Need to be more accountable with your workouts? Sign up for any of their programs, which last 3o days or so, and get day-to-day instructions. This website is cheap (or free), simple, and effective.
2. Pocket Yoga
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For $2.99 you can have your own, personal, yoga instructor. I have been using this app for about 2 years now and it is perfect for getting in a thorough yoga session without having to head to a studio. Whether you need a fast paced Vinyasa or a more relaxed Sun Salutation, this Yoga app has it all. Set the timer for anywhere from 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes, your experience level, and ambiance, and prepare for the perfect morning greeting. One of the best parts of this is that you need absolutely no equipment but we suggest investing in a mat!
3. Gain Fitness
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Gain Fitness prides itself on being a “digital personal trainer” and that is exactly what it is. Simply chose what part of your body you want to work and whether you are at a gym or at home and you will get a fully personalized session. The workout comes with a warm up and cool down so you will be properly prepared. Also, make sure to list what equipment you do/do not have access to from home and you will have no excuses for not completing your workout.
4. Kayla Itsines 12-Week Bikini Body Program & Nutrition Guide
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A great resource we have come across is Instagram. There are so many health and fitness professionals on there that it is definitely worth taking a look around. One of the best fitness stars we have come to know and love is Kayla Itsines. She is always posting workout ideas (and inspiration) but has recently released her own nutrition guide and 12-week workout plan. While each rings in at about $60-70, it will surely be worth it for you, we promise. Every workout can be done at home with the purchase of a few basic items like dumbbells, but the rest can be completed with items around like a bench or a chair. The workouts are intense, but the plan guarantees results. You just gotta stick to it!
5. Way of Gray HIIT Workout eBook
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Another Instagram star that has emerged is Sophie Gray from Way of Gray. However, not only is she an IG star, but also has a very helpful and inspirational blog filled with recipes, workout ideas, and even natural remedies. That being said, the best resource she has provided us with are her Workout eBooks. Gray makes sure you get in a quick workout (usually 30 minutes or less) but amps up intensity. Forget about steady state cardio, it’s time to turn it up a notch. No time? No problem.
6. Nike Training Club App
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This is the standard in fitness apps for the on-the-go gal. Minimal equipment but maximum intensity. Whether you want to build muscle or lose fat, NTC has the perfect workout for you and most of them are under 45 minutes. Hop out of bed and get to working out!
7. Just Dance 2014
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Just Dance 2014 is fun and that’s why you’ll stick to it. The game has apparently been a favorite amongst those who are not a fan of cardio. You won’t even realize it when you’re dancing (and laughing) the night away, straight from your living room.
8. Nutrition Stripped
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Finally, one of the best ways to sculpt your body from home is by making sure to eat properly. It’s not about diets, it’s not about fads. This website offers amazing nutritional advice on how to eat healthfully and mindfully with minimally processed foods. Once you realize that 90-calorie bars and sugary cereals are not the way to get lean, you will see tons of progress.
I swear by the Nike Training Club App and recommend to everyone I know! I could never focus enough to work out at home until I found this app.
I always say that abs are made in the kitchen - a clean diet is truly of the utmost importance, followed by a healthy exercise regime! I love that if you want to get active all you have to do is turn on your computer and SEARCH for work outs! It’s so simple and doesn’t cost you a pretty penny like some of the fitness classes offered around town! The hardest part might be motivating yourself to do it though!