With the uncertainty of lockdowns dangling over our heads, the predictability of gyms opening up is random. Don’t bring your fitness journey to a screeching halt because of the conditions instead improvise and overcome with relentless desire. Your home workouts can act as a potent catalyst that will help you push your body to the next level
Here are 5 simple ways to spice up your home workouts:
Use Mind Muscle Connection
Mind muscle connection is one of the most critical tools for excellent muscle growth and increases in strength. It means concentrating during the exercise and contracting the muscles as per the exercise. If you’re doing bent-over rows, you need to focus while pulling the dumbbell using your back. You must be wondering how? Next time you do this exercise, lighten the load, keep your chest up and pull using your elbow while fully concentrating on the back. You’ll see a visible difference in your body when you start using mental focus to contract your muscle fully. It will take months of training to master, but it’s a must.
Train unilaterally
This is the best time to be single. You know what we mean! Train the weaker side of your body by training unilaterally and performing more reps or weight on that side. Unilateral training also helps to build those core muscles as they work overtime to stabilise your body during the exercise. Training one side at a time will help you evenly develop your body and eliminate any imbalances that can cause injuries.
Use resistance bands
Resistance bands are the most versatile and convenient exercise equipment. If you don’t have a set of weights then resistance bands are the perfect substitute.They take little to no space and can be used for several movements. Resistance bands offer the freedom to use several angles for an exercise that helps to correct form, and they have a meager impact on the joints. Resistance bands can also be used for mobility drills and rehabilitation exercises.
Tempo and Reps
We all are guilty of mindlessly following 3X12; 3 sets of the exercise with 12 reps in each set. Spice your training up by changing the tempo of the exercise. Make your workouts fun and make those muscles grow with slow movements, isometric burnouts, 4-1-1 tempo, and many other techniques as well as rep ranges to build volume over time. Lightweights with different tempos can provide an insane pump that you didn’t believe you could have!
Get Creative
Switch up your workout routine! It doesn’t have to be the same old monotonous routine with progressive overload in mind. Try out online classes that offer Zumba, HIIT, Tabata, Power Yoga and several other forms of exercises that will refresh your training and keep you motivated on your journey.