Reaching your fitness goals while gyms are closed
Gyms may be closed but your fitness goals can still be achieved.
As part of her campaign to
Move More At Home with Juanita Khumalo & Shield, fitness entrepreneur Juanita Khumalo shares her tips for staying fit and reaching your fitness goals while the gyms are closed.
Eliminate distractions
The gym is a functional space, but at home, there are so many distractions that could cut your workout time short.
Take steps to remove or minimise distractions:
Switch off your phone while training or put it on silent.
Train in a space with the least distractions. Try and get the space to yourself when exercising by moving to your balcony, letting the pet out when training or waking up an hour earlier before the household as to have that time to yourself.
Play music while training
You’d be surprised by the difference it makes. Music works well at keeping you motivated and focused while at the gym, but if you forget to play it while at home then your mind can wander. So compile yourself a banging playlist.
Do HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
Raising your heart rate will bring you the most home benefits. Research has found short bursts of intense exercise are better for fat loss. A high-intensity workout, for 20 to 30 minutes, is a great way to target the whole body and burn off plenty of calories at the same time.
Exercise in your gym clothes and pack your exercise outfit the night before, including your exercise equipment
Having your gear packed the night before really does make all the difference. This includes your equipment and having a designated area to train which is your “workout sanctuary”.
This sets you up for success.
Keep a fitness journal
It is a great motivator to keep you going and teaches you to celebrate the small wins, which are what will give you the extra motivation to keep going.
Remember why this is super important. Do this because you want to be a better version of yourself and ensure it’s no one else’s decision.
Remember your form
When training alone at home, it is easier to let your form slip because there is no one watching you and no one to correct you. This could lead to injuries, which are costly.
Make sure that you focus on doing it correctly and if you’re trying something new it might be a good idea to do it in front of a mirror to check your form.