7 Fun Home Workout Ideas That Will Get Your Blood Pumping (& Shake Up Your Routine!)
If you’re anything like me, then you get easily bored with the same old humdrum workout routine. Especially now that we’re in the midst of COVID-19 isolation, trying to find the motivation to have a regular exercise regimen that keeps you on your toes and inspires you to keep going can feel like an uphill battle.
So then, why not switch it up? Trying new workouts will not only help you stay motivated to exercise, but it will also have you using different muscle groups and help you find workout styles you love.
Before we dive in, I do want to put a disclaimer that you should always listen to your body while working out (don’t feel you have to do an exercise if it hurts), understand your abilities through regular doctor check-ups, and remember that exercising is a journey and some days are easier than others.
I also want to note that the stresses of COVID-19 are undeniable, and if you’re looking for some more reading to help get you through this time, please check out articles by our writers including COVID-19 Reflections of a Psychotherapist, Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System, 4 Ways to Manage Fear and Anxiety In An Uncertain World (And Why You Need To), How to Practice Holistic Self Care during Covid-19 Self-Isolation, Loneliness: Science-Backed Facts on What Causes It, How to Deal, and Why It Is so Universal, and What The Pandemic May Have Taught Us So Far.
With that, here are 7 fun workout styles that will keep your blood pumping and make your COVID-19 isolation more interesting!
Workout #1 – Pilates
I’m going to level with you here — before isolation struck, I had no idea what Pilates was. I say this while even having close friends who are pilates instructors (I know, I know, terrible). Yet, oddly enough, pilates has become one of my main workouts during isolation. I can feel myself getting physically (and mentally) stronger with each workout, and I’m looking forward to going to pilates classes when this is all over.
So, if you’re new to pilates like I was, then let me enlighten you a bit. Pilates is a low-impact workout style that helps strengthen muscles while focusing on posture and flexibility. While many pilates exercises place emphasis on strengthening the core, you’ll be able to find plenty of full-body Pilates workouts as well. That said, through all the pilates movements, you’ll find that slow, precise movements and breath control are key.
It should also be noted that there are a couple of different types of Pilates classes, namely reformer classes and mat classes. Mat classes use your body weight as a form of resistance while doing all the exercises on a Pilates mat (slightly thicker than a yoga mat), while reformer classes use a machine called, fittingly, a reformer, that uses a sliding platform, stationary springs, and pulleys that provide resistance.
Obviously you’ll be focusing on mat classes while at home (unless you own a reformer machine of course), but it’s an important distinction once you sign up for in-person classes.
Some great Pilates classes on YouTube are:
25-Minute Pilates Workout to Tone Your Abs, Butt, and Arms | Class FitSugar
Total Body Pilates! 20 Minute Tone & Shape, Legs, Butt, Abs, Beginners Home Workout
Workout #2 – Dancing
When isolation first hit and I found myself in my home every day, my first workout instinct was to dance. In the “before times”, going dancing always gave me joy and I was looking to recreate that as much as I could while staying home.
So what did I do? I turned to YouTube to see if there were any dance classes I could take. And yes, I found a plethora. No matter your style — whether you like dancing hip-hop style, flamenco, or to pop music — there are a ton of options.
Of course, who says you need to follow an instructor in order to dance? You can always just turn on your favorite up-tempo tunes and move your body the way you want to. Dance like nobody’s watching, cause nobody is!
Some of my favorite dancing channels on YouTube are:
30-Minute Hip-Hop Fit Workout
The Fitness Marshall
Workout #3 – Buti Yoga
While there are tons of benefits to practicing traditional yoga regularly, if you’re looking for something a little different and want to kick your workouts up a notch, then check out Buti Yoga. Buti Yoga is a workout style built on the foundation of self-love and commitment to health. As a practice, Buti incorporates spinal structure technique as well as intentional shaking and vibration to activate deep core muscles and release cellular trauma.
The practice uses primal movement and cardio dance on top of traditional yoga to give you an all-around, full-body workout that will make your body and soul come alive.
Want to practice Buti yoga at home? These YouTube classes are a great starting point:
BUTI YOGA with Bizzie Gold – Abdominal Activation + Spiral Structure Technique (Full Class)
Buti® Foundations DVD with Founder Bizzie Gold
Workout #4 – HIIT
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is for those of you who want to get in the best possible workout in the least amount of time.
The crux of a HIIT workout is to do short bursts of intense exercise (usually 1 – 5 minutes) during which time your heart rate reaches 80 percent of its maximum capacity, followed by a timed period of rest. From the exercises themselves, you can expect a mix of aerobics and resistance techniques.
While a lot of the workout styles on this list have some flexibility in performance, a typical HIIT workout is based on scientific studies that have optimized carefully-curated routines to give you the best workout possible. These exercises aren’t always easy, but they’re guaranteed to give you a great sweat. Plus, interval training has shown to be awesome for heart health!
Here are some great no-equipment HIIT workouts:
30-Minute No-Equipment Cardio & HIIT Workout
Low Impact FULL BODY HIIT Workout (No Equipment + No Jumping)
Workout #5 – Zumba
Speaking of interval training, if you’re looking to get the benefits of an interval workout while doing something a little more whimsical, then check out Zumba!
Zumba is a fitness program that features Latin or international music combined with specially-curated dance moves. Zumba music uses alternating fast and slow rhythms to help you improve your cardiovascular fitness while helping you strengthen your core, improve coordination, and increase balance.
Some great online Zumba classes are:
30-Minute STRONG by Zumba® Cardio and Full-Body Toning Workout
30 Minutes Zumba Dance Workout
Workout #6 – Cycling
While going to a spin class or riding your bike around the park might not be advised at the moment, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your cycling workout in (if you have a two-wheeler bike, that is!)
All it takes is a bit of a hack to lift your back bike wheel off the ground so that you can do a class in your living room without fear of, you know, smashing into your wall.
To do this, there are two types of stationary bike stands that you can purchase online. The first type is a trainer which clamps the back wheel of the bike while the front wheel stays on the ground and is able to move. The second type is a roller bike stand which elevates the whole bike, thus allowing both wheels to spin. You can order either type of these bike stands online or from your local sporting goods store.
To position your bike stand, first find a spot in your home in which you have enough space, that’s level, and that is not a carpeted surface. And, I have to say, make sure that when you’re mounting your bike on the stand you take every safety precaution and ensure that the contraption is tip-proof. Safety first!
From here, I highly recommend turning on a cycle class on YouTube to get the most out of your workout:
The Rap Ride: 30-minute Spin® set to hip hop!
25 Minute Spin Class – 2000’s Pop Ride
Workout #7 – Pound
A relatively new workout as far as trends go, Pound has exploded on the workout scene in recent years as a cathartic cardio class that will help you channel your inner rockstar.
Pound is a full-body workout that uses specifically engineered drumsticks for exercising and will make you feel like a drummer. Plus, Pound uses 2-4 minute songs (popular ones that you probably already know) that are carefully calibrated using intervals and sequences, giving you a great HIIT-esque workout.
Ever felt like drumming along to your favorite songs? Pound will give you the opportunity!
Fun fact, Pound was founded in 2011 by two women who were both recreational drummers and former athletes. Bored with their regular workout routine, they decided to combine their two passions and birth a new workout regimen.
Here is a great online Pound class:
That’s it for my 7 favorite workout styles! What are some of your favorite ways to workout? Has your exercise regimen changed due to COVID-19 isolation? Let us know in the comments!
Sources:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/32645-turn-bicycle-stationary-bike/
https://www.precor.com/en-us/resources/how-customize-your-hiit-workout