CREATE ATMOSPHERE

ryan3478
Jun 10
2 min read

I train at home about 75% of the time and have for years. Additionally, about 40% of my clients train at home full time.

One of the advantages of a commercial gym is when you arrive, the distractions of home go away. So how can you create the same environment at home that you have when away?

Rows of dumbbells in a gym, with a woman lifting weights in the background. The setting is modern, well-lit, and orderly.

1. Starting with the environment, create a space in your home that is dedicated to where you workout. Even if it's just a mat laid out on the floor or some convenient pulled out equipment, you know this is your space and place to get it done. Keep it set up so you know it's there waiting for you and reminds you each time you walk past.

2. Get your space set up with the tools you need/have. Put a stereo there for music, maybe a clock/timer to keep you focused, a towel, water bottle and whatever home equipment you might have (bands, weights, sandbag, kid's backpack filled with rocks, etc.) Take away things that are distracting or not needed.

3. Put your regular training time on your calendar. Schedule it the day before so you know when you will fit it in. Ideally, I think first thing in the AM is best before the day gets busy or at the end of the day when tasks are completed, but the bottom line is to have a plan in place.

4. Nutritionally, start the day off right. Have your regular pre-workout meal (I like a little bit of whey and some easy digesting carbs like saltines) or maybe your pre-workout supplement (aka go-go juice) to get you in the zone. I use a non caffeinated product (PHAT Muscle Bulletproof) so I can take it at any point of the day.

5. Use a timer to help further your self-accountability against the clock. This is a technique that can be used for regular tasks but it's one more way to commit to yourself that you are dedicating the next 30, 45 or whatever minutes to your workout.

6. Make it fun! Get your spouse and/or family involved or a friend. Not only does it make it a bit easier to push it, you can hold each other accountable.

Two black dumbbells and an orange resistance band with handles on a wooden floor, suggesting a fitness environment.

Home workouts can not just be physically challenging but mentally as well. Share any other ideas you might have below and let's keep moving forward together!