Mini-Series - How To Improve Your Online Workout Experience From Home

Make your home workouts fun!

Online workouts are here to stay and with that in mind, I have a few tips on how to make your home workout experience more fun. This 3-part 'Mini-Series' will help you figure out:

- How to get the most out of Zoom

- How to set up a space that you will actually use
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- Suggest some basic equipment ideas (and low-budget alternatives).

PART 1 - Tips To Optimize Zoom For Online Classes

Technology can be your best friend or your worst enemy. I’m sure you’ve had your share of disappointing Zoom-experiences when trying to take an online class. I certainly did when teaching classes and I forgot to hit the ‘record’ button. 
While it turned out to be a great extra-workout for myself, I have some tips for you on how to make your online-experience more pleasant:

1) Software
Make sure your computer software is up to date, especially Zoom. There’s nothing more annoying than being prompted to update while enjoying a class.

2) Interent
Check your internet connection. If you have multiple options, choose the fastest and make sure other devices around you are not using the same connection or streaming at the same time.

3) Set-Up
Set everything up 15 minutes before the start of the class. This will give you enough time to adjust if something doesn’t work as planned. Make sure to have the Zoom-link for the meeting ready.

4) Camera
It helps the instructor greatly if your camera is on. Try to position yourself and your mat in the center. It’s easier for instructors to give feedback when they can see as much of you as possible in order to make the class of value to you.

PART 2 - Setting Up A Home-Gym

With gyms currently being closed again in BC, it’s probably a good idea to set up a space at home for you to work out. Fitness is an important part of our overall physical and mental well-being and we owe it to ourselves to be successful at implementing it. With most things in life, it has to be easy and convenient for us to take action. 
Here are my top tips on how you can look forward to your permanent practice:

1) Find a nice corner in your living space and leave your mat out. Having it right there waiting for you makes it easy to get started.

2) Show up, no matter how long, even if it’s just for a five minute stretch. Play around with what time a day works for you and see if you can make it a habit.

3) Reward yourself. Personally, I’m more inclined to work out when I know there’s a reward after like a nice hot cup of tea, a hot shower or taking time to read my book for a few minutes. 

4) Make the workout as pleasant as possible. Light candles or use calming scents, get the right playlist with all your favourite songs or incorporate some simple warm-up games. 

5) Get basic fitness equipment. You can target most muscle groups with body weight alone but it’s nice to have some variety. All you need is a mat, some resistance bands, free weights and a yoga block or foam roller can come in handy, too.


PART 3 - Must Have Equipment For Your Home-gym

While the choice of equipment can vary greatly depending on space, budget and what your exercise goals are, some basics should be in every functional home-gym.

1) Mat
A nice, cushioned, non-slip mat is essential for workouts and stretches. It will keep joints protected and make floor work much more pleasant.

2) Free weights
Depending on your fitness level, I recommend getting a pair of mid-range free weights. 10-12 lbs weights are always a good start. 

3) Resistance bands
If you are not sure how to work with weights, bands can add a bit of extra challenge to your workouts.

4) Foam roller
Foam rollers are not only great to treat your muscles after your workout, they can also make exercises harder - think ‘ab-roller’.

And if you are in a pinch, there are other useful makeshift devices that can be found in most households like:

1) Broomstick or umbrella instead of a dowel 
2) Books instead of yoga blocks
3) Cans or water bottles instead of light free weights
4) Towels instead of sliding discs


Let me know what makes your workout experience more fun!