Entrepreneurs are always stretched for time. And hence fitness often takes a backseat. But if you work out at home, you will always be able to find time.
Are you one of those people who are averse to exercising at a gym, taking aerobics classes or even jogging or walking? The reasons could be many. Lack of time is the most quoted excuse. Traveling to a gym, class or club can take time and is very often tiresome, especially in today’s scenario where traffic chaos can add years of stress to one’s already stressed life! Many people, women in particular are not comfortable exercising in front of others, especially if they are very obese. Some people are apprehensive that they may appear foolish in front of others, especially in aerobics or dance classes where they feel they look ungraceful or find that that they cannot keep up with the tempo. If you fall into any of these categories, exercising at home might just be the answer that you have been looking for.
What makes home exercising so popular is the fact that you can try out different workout routines in the comfort and privacy of your own home – from weight training to aerobics to dancing or yoga. All this without worrying about how you look and at your own pace. There are so many options available; you can get information from books, VCDs, DVDs and the Internet and with the wide range of options that are available, you needn’t ever get bored.
I’ve been working out at home for ages and I love it. I do yoga every morning. (I had a personal trainer for two years. So, my yoga fundamentals are very strong). Thrice a week, I do aerobics in the evening. I either do Zumba or walking workouts. I also try and do strength training once a week. I have sets of weights. I blast music of my choice and do my strength training. Whenever I can, I walk. I have a terrace, so I play some upbeat music of my choice and walk. Or I make my social phone calls in the evening and walk while I’m talking and try to achieve anywhere between 3,000 to 6,000 steps while I walk.
Being a busy entrepreneur, time is always short. And if you want to maximize time, then working out at home is ideal.
Exercising at home has many more advantages which include:
You don’t have to pay fees for classes, club membership or the gym: The worst scenario is when you pay up and don’t go. Also, as an entrepreneur, you probably don’t have fixed working hours and you could end up missing out if you’ve signed up for, let’s say, dance or aerobics or yoga classes. And when you pay steep fees for these facilities, and you don’t use them, it really hurts! More so when you are on a tight budget while you try to grow your business.
You don’t waste time: Commuting to and from to the gym or studio takes up valuable time. Plus, at a gym, you invariably end up having to wait impatiently while someone else uses the machine.
You can listen to music of your choice: Being able to listen to music you like while exercising is a blessing. For instance, I detest trance music, and nothing puts me off more than hearing it blast from the speakers at a gym. At home I can play the music I love and it pumps me up and inspires me to work out.
You can be flexible: You can exercise at any time that you want to. This is a major plus over any form of classes because if you miss the class, you miss it. At home, your timings are more adaptable. If you have a busy day, you can come home and squeeze in a short workout. If you’re working from home and don’t have any clients visiting, you could sneak in a workout even during working hours.
You are not dependent on the weather: Aren’t there times you feel like you don’t want to venture out in the pouring rain? Traffic will be crawling and you’re going to spend hours on your commute. Or it may be too hot or cold and you’re not inclined to brave the weather. Well, at home you can exercise come rain or sunshine!
You don’t need to be self-conscious: Often at a gym or exercise class, we worry about how we look. Do I look too fat in that t-shirt? Is everyone looking at me while I’m jogging on the treadmill? Am I the only one who can’t touch my toes? At home, you needn’t worry about any of that. And you can dress how you want!
However, be warned there are pitfalls too. When you have paid for a service, chances are you will attempt to make it to the gym/classes etc. At home there is no such motivation; the temptation to procrastinate will loom over you! Whatever form of exercise you are doing, you need to follow the instructions carefully; otherwise you could end up injuring yourself. There will be no one to guide you at home. Also, at a class or in the gym, the instructor will push you to try harder. At home you may be tempted to take the easy way out.
So how do you start on your routine?
- Read up books on the different types of exercise and select routines that appeal to you. (If you have a medical problem or you are over forty and embarking on an exercise program for the first time or after a long break, please consult your doctor.)
- Choose an exercise program you enjoy. That is of utmost importance because otherwise, you are bound to get bored and give up.
- Vary your routine so that boredom doesn’t strike. You could alternate between strength training and aerobics, or Zumba and yoga. Mix things up; you will never be bored and will look forward to your routine.
- Invest in exercise equipment; it could be a yoga mat, weights, a rowing machine, exercise-cycle, a stepper or even a treadmill. If you have space and can afford it, you could even buy a gym station. However, be sure that you use the equipment for exercise, not as a clothes rail or as a place to dump junk!
- If you love aerobics, yoga, belly dancing or Zumba, you could invest in CDs or go onto YouTube and find a whole variety of videos to inspire you.
- Set a time to exercise. You may not follow it every day, but it will act as a guideline.
- Make sure that you are not distracted. Switch off your mobile or put it on silent and instruct your family members not to disturb you when you exercise.
The going may be tough initially, but once you fall into a routine, you will find yourself enjoying it. Vary the routine to avoid boredom. The only thing you will need in abundance is oodles of willpower! Good luck!
