The value of home workouts should not be overlooked!

Welcome back to my blog! This is where I share my journey of health, fitness, and personal growth as a late diagnosed autistic individual with ADHD. 

Today, I want to dive deep into the value of home workouts and how they played a pivotal role in the journey of prioritising my health. It was home workouts that gave me the kick start I needed and the foundation to helping me lose over 100lbs without surgery or medication. So, whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking for new ways to stay active, home workouts can be a real game-changer and shouldn't be overlooked!

For many of us, the thought of going into a gym can be overwhelming. 

For me, it was all the bright lights, loud noises, and the general environment being alien to me which can easily push me into sensory overload. This can be hard to navigate at the best of times, let alone when you are trying to work out and move your body, which comes with its own challenges. This is where the power of home workouts can come in as a fantastic alternative. Here are some reasons why they might be perfect for you:

Comfort and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of home workouts is the comfort and convenience they offer. There is something nice about being able to exercise in a familiar environment without worrying about those sensory challenges that gyms might present. Plus, there are the added bonuses of it being able to save time and money by not having to commute to a gym or pay for a membership. YouTube is a great starting place to find beginner friendly free workouts. 

Flexibility
With home workouts, you have the flexibility to choose when and how you exercise. It doesn't have to be the same time each day like a class would be at the gym and it doesn't matter if you have a hectic unpredictable life where you are here, there and everywhere. You can choose to complete home workouts whenever you have the time and whenever it fits into your schedule! 

Customisation
You can choose workouts that match your experience, your time availability and to focus on ones that you enjoy and that suit your fitness level. For me, I would look for the following: 'beginners home workout no equipment and no jumping'. 

The first step is always the hardest
When I started my fitness journey, I was over 100lbs heavier and struggling with self-confidence. The idea of going to a gym was so intimidating just the thought of it, was almost enough to decide not to start. I didn't give up though and instead I turned to home workouts. Here's how they helped me transform my life:

Building a Routine
Starting with simple, basic exercises, I gradually built a routine that I could stick to. I found free online workout videos on YouTube and I watched them through first without following along to make sure that I felt capable. Then I would wait until I was home alone and able to try them. If I was feeling up to it, I would do it through twice.

Overcoming Challenges 
I was only diagnosed 2 years ago and as such I am still learning about myself and how I respond to challenges. I can honestly say that no two peoples journey to prioritising health will be the same and for me, there were days when focusing was difficult, my energy levels fluctuated, my mental health dwindled and I didn't see the point. Being able to pause a video and take a moment, to stop and come back later, to change the workout to something different allowed me to find ways to work around these challenges and I think this is what helped to keep me on track without feeling too overwhelmed.

Gaining Confidence 
As I progressed, I started seeing changes in my body and my mindset. Certain exercises felt easier to execute and even though I didn't yet love working out, each little milestone, no matter how small, boosted my confidence. It took time, but eventually I did gain the courage to step into a gym. By that time, I had shown myself that I could do it and it had built a solid foundation for me to feel ready to take the next step in my journey.

Staying Motivated 
Staying motivated can be tough, but finding workouts that I enjoyed made all the difference. After a month or so of completing 'non equipment' workouts, I invested in a set of light dumbells and felt able to try more. I think that having variety that home workouts can provide kept things interesting and prevented burnout.

My top tips for starting your home workout journey

If you’re considering starting home workouts, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your workouts. Whether it's weight loss, strength building, or improving mental health, having clear goals will keep you focused. My goal was to improve my health, that was it. Anything else, well that would be a bonus.
2. Create a Dedicated Space: Set up a space in your home where you can exercise without distractions. It doesn’t need to be large—just enough room to move comfortably. I used to set my mat out in the kitchen and close the doors. I wasn't lucky enough to have a space I could set up and leave out but knowing I would do it there meant it took away one of the decisions out of the process; where to do it.
3. Find Resources: There are plenty of online resources like the ones I used on YouTube, but if you want to invest in something a but more bespoke or specific, there are so many apps and virtual classes available to explore. If you can, have a look at the different options until you find what works best for you.
4. Start Slow: Begin with simple exercises and gradually increase the intensity as you build strength and confidence. Remember, consistency is key more than anything and if you can commit to starting to prioritising your health, that can help keep you accountable and keep you turning up. 
5. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your workouts accordingly. Rest when needed and don’t push yourself too hard. If you want to be active on rest days, try looking for mobility workouts, stretching and yoga sessions or you could go for a walk.
6. Stay Connected: There are so many online communities that you can find for support and guidance, there might even be an option to find a workout buddy to stay motivated and share your progress. Connecting with others on a similar journey can be incredibly encouraging.

By now, you will know that home workouts have been an invaluable part of my fitness journey. They provided a safe and flexible way to get active, build confidence, and make progress towards achieving my goal of prioritising my health. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, I encourage you to give home workouts a try.

Remember, every step you take is progress, and you’re not alone on this journey

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Thank you for reading! Try to stay active and be kind to yourself! Your future self will thank you, I promise!

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I've love to empower you to make a start in your journey.