Working (Out) From Home

Like many citizens of the world, many of us have been working from home for the last year and a half (give or take). And, while many corporations are sending their employees back into the office, even if it's on a part-time basis, many of us have gotten used to the comforts of working from home. Not only that, we've gotten accustomed to working out from home as well! After all, you don't have to worry about wearing the latest and most excellent sneakers or athletic clothing when you're home. You don't have to get insecure about just how much of a sweat you're breaking; and, you definitely don't have to worry about sharing a shower with a room full of strangers after your heavy workout.

While there are a ton of indoor sports that can keep you active, working out from home allows you more freedom with your scheduling of exercise and the length of time you do it. Let's take a look at some of the best ways to keep in shape, not only indoors but at home.

Pilates

Pilates has been around and in practice since the 1920s since its creators - Joseph and Clara Pilates - started pitching it as a "Body Conditioning Gym." Back then, the machines that Joseph Pilates invented were available only in these gyms. Today, you can purchase your reformers for home use (they are pricey and an investment), but you should make it if you can afford it. Pilates works by strengthening and toning the entire body. Some of its benefits are improved posture, flexibility, and overall lean strength. If you're looking to achieve a fit physique without looking overly muscular, this is a workout you can get into.

Additionally, if a reformer isn't in your budget, there are plenty of ways to do pilates at home without one. You can get into the swing of things by watching free tutorials on sites like Youtube or downloading one of the many available Pilates apps. You'll be standing straighter and more vital in no time!

Yoga

Yoga is a gentle practice and form of physical exercise, but it gives you not only a physical but a mental boost! You can practice Yoga easily from anywhere. Whether you want to practice on your balcony, your kitchen, or most popularly, your living room - it's easy to get your workout on from home if Yoga is your exercise of choice. Whether you're just starting or more advanced, it's easy to ditch the Yoga studio gym fee to practice safely at home. There are plenty of books, apps, and video tutorials available online for all stages of expertise. You also learn about mindfulness and meditation in most Yoga practices, which boosts your mental and emotional health and win/win.

High-Intensity Interval Training

High-Intensity Interval Training, also referred to as HIIT, is a fantastic way to feel the burn, build muscle and tone, and shed weight rapidly. So, it's no wonder it's got a ton of fans worldwide. Bonus, you're getting all of those results, one you'd typically need a trainer and a gym for, from the comforts of home. With HIIT, you can start slowly with just 3 to 4-speed intervals, then work it up as you get better. Another bonus of HIIT is it requires no equipment making it the perfect workout from home option for those who want fast results, targeting their whole body, and they like intense things!

Be Smart About It

For those looking to invest in a sustainable piece of workout equipment that doesn't compromise the aesthetic of their homes, a smart home gym is absolutely the way to go. These sleek mirrors are easy to install and have a very minimal footprint. Not only that, you can get training through the mirror in virtually any area of exercise you're looking to get into. Literally, from dance, tai chi, Yoga to kickboxing, and everything in between, smart home gyms are the future of working out from home (or the office if you have to go back).

This list isn't all-inclusive. There are many ways to workout from home, some of which can be found through a free app if you're starting or budgetary restrictions are in place. However, if you have the means to get something like a smart home gym or a pilates reformer to not only help you on your journey but maximize your workouts, they're an investment worth making. The important thing is to recognize that physical exercise is an essential part of our overall health and well being. Here's to your health!