How I stay motivated to exercise without the gym

Jan 12

I love the way exercise makes me feel — strong, accomplished, capable — but between work, my kids, and all of my responsibilities, it can get tough to motivate, especially since I workout from home. I don’t have a home gym or fancy equipment, it’s just me and a few key items to help me get moving.

I haven’t had a gym membership in about 10 years, since my older son was born. I’ve sprinkled in a few random spin classes here and there, but for the most part, it’s just me trying to squeeze in a home workout in between conference calls and making dinner.

Here’s how I do it:

I make do with what I have: No fancy home gym or personal trainer here (I wish!) My “gym” is the area between my bed and my dresser. I have limited space, but I make it work! I keep my workout gear in a closet: a variety of free weights, resistance loops, and a yoga mat. I also have an old bench from a program called “The Firm” that I did in the 90s and early 2000s!
I walk a lot: I aim for 10,000 steps every day, and it can be tough, especially during the winter months. I wear an old fitbit to track my steps (it may be time for an upgrade, haha). Since I started working from home a few years ago, I added a walking pad and a walking vest into the rotation — I keep them in my small home office right off my bedroom — and I love getting my steps in when checking emails. When I worked from an office, I’d walk the halls, and up and down the stairs if I couldn’t get outside.
I stream my workouts: I do this for both variety and guidance. I have a yearly subscription to Bodi (formerly Beach Body) and it’s worth every penny…I’ve been a huge fan since back in the day when you had to order DVDs! I also stream free workouts via YouTube, namely Sydney Cummings, Move with Nicole, and Pilates by Izzy. I love using free weights for strength training but also like to sprinkle in Pilates or yoga to keep it interesting.
I’m realistic: If a workout is more than 30 minutes long, I won’t do it. I can squeeze in 30 minutes while dinner is in the oven or my kids are playing. But anything longer? It’s not going to happen. I’ll be honest — I can’t concentrate beyond 30 minutes anyway. There’s a never-ending To-Do list, and when you workout from home, it’s easy to be distracted by the laundry that needs folding. I aim for 4-5 times a week.
I think about the long term: Exercise used to be about aesthetics for me — and although it still is — it’s also about so much more as I get older. I want to be a healthy person for as long as possible, and I need to exercise to do that. I’m going to be an old lady someday, and I want to be mobile and active, and live my best old lady life!
I wear cute workout clothes: When my workout clothing is cute and comfy, I enjoy putting them on! I want leggings that stay put, sports bras that don’t dig into my neck, and shorts that don’t give me a wedgie every time I squat. I typically don’t wear sneakers when I exercise indoors — I’m either barefoot or wearing Pilates socks that have the little grippers on the soles.
I make it a priority: This part isn’t easy when you have two elementary-age kids. However, my family understands that my workouts are important to me, so I let them know that I’m going to close my door and exercise. I still get interrupted at times, but I find that if I start, I’ll finish. It’s the getting started part that’s tough! I don’t allow myself to feel guilty for taking this time — plus I think it sets an important example for my kids.
I look for other ways to get in movement: The park with my kids, dancing in the kitchen — it all adds up, right?