NO GYM, NO PROBLEM!

'Tis the season for new year’s resolutions. 

 Perhaps the most common resolution is to exercise regularly. Year after year, many of us pledge to get in shape. This year will be different, we say. 

 If you fall into this category, you might be feeling like you have hit a roadblock with gyms being closed due to Covid restrictions. Or maybe your local gyms are open, but you do not feel comfortable being in that type of environment at this time. So, what is an aspiring workout enthusiast to do? 

 Think of it this way — 

 This year is different. We have been forced to get creative and think outside the box in all aspects of our lives. This includes finding new ways to follow through with the resolution to incorporate fitness into our daily lives.

 So, do not sweat it! 

 We have outlined plenty of options for you to start your fitness journey - gym or no gym.

Get in a Routine!

The best way to follow through with your fitness goals is to have a routine. Exercising first thing in the morning is highly recommended, as studies show that people who do this are more likely to stick with it. Get up and get moving before you can put too much thought into coming up with excuses. A morning workout sets the tone for the day. It will inspire you to eat better and make other healthy choices for yourself, like going to bed earlier so you can leave yourself plenty of time for your next morning workout. Keep in mind though that morning exercise does not work well for everyone. Exercise is effective - no matter what time of day. If you choose (or need) to work out on your lunch break or in the evenings, then go with it and just try to be consistent.

With a home gym like this, it's hard to come up with excuses, not to workout! MLS # 351185

Home Gyms

When it comes to finding time to work out, what could be more convenient than having a gym in your own home? Cut back on driving, locker room time, and waiting for machines to open. The half-hour you might spend scrolling through social media could easily be replaced with a sweaty, endorphin-releasing 30-minute spin or weightlifting session. Just think how your life could change if you started incorporating little blips of exercise throughout your day by hopping on a piece of exercise equipment in your house. The results could be monumental! 

 

Online Classes

There is a whole slew of online exercise programs out there being taught by top-of-the-line instructors. A simple web search for “home workouts” will lead you to virtual classes including cardio, strength training, yoga, dance, and everything in between. Some of these classes are on websites that have subscription fees, and other classes are free of charge and can be found on sites such as YouTube. If you decide to go the subscription route, consider signing up for free trials so you can sample different programs before committing to a membership. If you do not own any weights at home, search with terms like “bodyweight workouts” or “no equipment exercise” to find classes where all you need is your computer or phone. If the classes do not incorporate music, play your own favorite upbeat songs to tailor the class to your liking! 

 

Find the perfect space in your house to crank up the tunes and move your body! MLS # 22003562

Outdoor recreation

Think Rocky IV. You know, the movie when Sylvester Stallone is preparing for the big match with the Russian fighter, and he ventures to the snowy woods to train, carrying logs while running through waist-deep snow? Well, maybe you do not have to go quite that far, but it sure is a good source of inspiration! Lucky for us in Montana, we have trails, bike paths, Forest Service roads, public lands, and recreation areas at our fingertips. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are fantastic workouts that also allow you to explore the Montana woods during the solitude of winter — the quiet, snowy landscape is a beautiful environment for contemplation and finding some peace. You might even want to consider joining in the fat bike craze and experience mountain biking in the snow for a fun and exhilarating workout. 

 

Outdoor gear 

When it is cold and windy, or snow is falling from the sky, it can be hard to find the motivation to get sweaty outside. That is why having the right gear is so important in helping you stick with your fitness goals and battle the elements. If you are going on a longer adventure like a hike, having a hooded windproof and water-resistant jacket is a must, as are a hat and gloves. Wear breathable layers underneath and carry a backpack so you can stash any layers for when you get toasty. (You might be surprised how warm you get while hiking, even on cold days.) Keep water and healthy snacks like nuts and dried fruit in your backpack as well, so you can spend more time on the trail. Going on a run? Get yourself some Yak Tracks or Ice Spikes for your shoes to avoid slips. Since you will be working up more of a sweat, you likely will not need as many layers on a run as you would for a hike, but keeping your fingers and ears covered is essential on those chilly days. 

There is nothing like a post-workout sauna and steamy shower to loosen your muscles and help your body recover. Do not forget to stretch, too! MLS # 22017675

We hope these tips help you stay motivated to fulfill any exercise goals you might have this year. Make 2021 the year you actually follow through with your new year’s resolution of getting fit. There is no better time to get moving than the present. Cheers to a healthy, active lifestyle! 

Cover photo: Bigfork, MT MLS # 22013256