Set Tangible Goals
When you have a goal, outcomes are far more possible. Goals motivate you with practical value in helping you track your progress, and they make your workouts more efficient. But how can you most effectively set your goals? We’ve got a short and sweet checklist to help you get started:- Break goals down into achievable mini-goals.
- Make them measurable, even specific.
- Make them attainable. You know yourself, so be realistic.
- Be accountable. Set a time limit to achieve your goals.
- Make them personally meaningful.
Find Online Fitness Resources
Nowadays, the majority of people own a smartphone; with this technology comes the world of fitness apps at your fingertips. These can make a huge difference in your at-home workout routines, bringing support and an accessible workout. Some are already loaded on your mobile device or wearable! Many also have GPS and accelerometers (to track your movement) that store and analyze data to report back on activity and goals, simplifying the process for you and helping alleviate the many possible excuses. With in-person gyms closing across the country and many people deciding to “cut the cord” on their memberships, online resources are a safe haven to support your at-home workout. There’s a multitude to choose from, so you can find the program that motivates you the most:- Still have your membership? Many gyms are taking classes online for members (and sometimes non-members).
- Try out free yoga videos and livestream classes online.
- Find a program that offers workouts that are challenging but require minimal equipment, perfect for the comfort of your living room.
- Some online programs understand that you have kids or seniors to consider, so they include classes geared toward them too!
- Put your muscles to the test and try something new. There are boxing or MMA classes that are available online and include no contact.
Get Outdoors (safely)
Exercising at home doesn’t mean staying cooped up. Experience the great outdoors by going on a walk, running, hiking or biking — you can do all of these solo or at a safe social distance.
Taking your workout outdoors also gives you a chance to exercise with your family or quaran-team. Changes at home, like tending to children home from school, can make finding time to exercise difficult, so turn it into a group activity that everyone can benefit from!
Make Every Step Count
You can also make small lifestyle changes throughout your day to help you exercise. This can sound daunting, so here are a few ideas to get you started:
- When you go to the grocery store, park as far away as possible to maximize your steps.
- Do calorie-burning chores in the house.
- Do stairs on your stairs!
- Walk the dog instead of just letting them run in the backyard.
- Consider your posture and focus on your poise.
- Stretch every morning, afternoon or evening. Try out some at-home yoga.
Think of every step you take, every task you do, and figure out how you can maximize that effort to be more beneficial to your body.
And Eat Well!
Don’t forget that your body needs energy to do all of these amazing things. You can get that boost and more nutritional benefits from California walnuts. Pre- and post-workout snacks with walnuts are an excellent way to fuel your at-home workout.
These Walnut Energy Bars are delicious and, as a bonus, gluten-free! They are packed with crunchy walnuts and dried cherries and apricots for a slightly sour punch. Mellowed out with hearty oats, gently sweetened with honey and powered with vanilla protein powder, these energy bars will get you ready to take on the day and crush your workout.
To quench your thirst, this Matcha Avocado Walnut Smoothie will refresh you and your family after a good workout. The light mint, crisp lime juice and smooth honey make for the ultimate superfood drink. Plus, the beautiful green color is a treat in and of itself!
What’s better to take on a hike than bottled water and this Vanilla Walnut Berry Trail Mix? Yum! This combo is stuffed with the dried fruit of your choice, such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches or mango. Chocolate-covered raisins or yogurt-covered pretzels balance out the chewy fruit nicely. And crunchy walnut bites, salty pumpkin seeds and a host of optional add-ins make for a uniquely delicious powerhouse of a snack. This flavorful mix will quickly become a favorite recipe that your family will eat right up while burning those calories.
You can do this. You can devise an at-home fitness strategy for you and your family that you’ll be excited to stick to. And California walnuts will help keep you going strong to motivate you to push even harder.
