We’ve all been homesick. But what about gymsick? Oh, it’s a thing. 

Gymsick is the feeling of missing that pumpin’ music that hits you when you step through the doors, missing all your favorite workout equipment in one place, and heck, even missing the smell of barbells and sweaty yoga mats (gross, I know). But more than anything, gymsick is about missing your fit family, and the unforgettable feeling of working out together in a non-stop group fitness class. There’s nothing like it — the sense of camaraderie, the boost of energy, and the motivation to try your hardest and push past your limits. 

And even though your gym might be opening back up, odds are that you’re going to want to continue doing at least some of your workouts at home. I mean, the commute is great, you already invested in the equipment, and it is kind of nice that you don’t even have to brush your hair when you walk into your home sweat room, right!?

But how do we go about finding motivation to work out from home? We know it can be tough, which is why we’ve come up with a list of sure-fire tips to get you fired up and to turn your humble abode into a bungalow of burn! 

Schedule Your Sweat

You know, NIKE was really onto something when they told us to ‘Just Do It’. Because a lot of times, you can’t wait for inspiration to strike — you just have to go for it, and hope it comes soon (and it definitely will). So an easy way to make sure you’re keeping your commitment is to simply schedule it. Set an alarm, pencil it in, or mark it on your calendar. Creating a set schedule will take the indecision out of the equation entirely. It’s on the calendar… do it. And guess what, the minute you get over the initial UGH, you’re gonna feel that OOMPH coming right behind it!

Reward Yourself

Now, we’re not in the habit of bribery. Well, most times we’re not. Ok fine we are — if it gets you off your keister, that is. And there’s nothing wrong with a little greasing the wheels if it gets your gears turning. On days that you’re just not up for it, make yourself a little deal: If you work out and give it your all, you get to sleep in for 20 more minutes tomorrow, or you get an extra half scoop of ice cream – whatever it is that’ll entice you to make yourself exercise. Now, this is only to get you through those dips of lethargy; if you start making a routine of working out and dabbing your forehead with red velvet cake, that’s not gonna work. 

Sweeten Your Space

When we’re looking for motivation to work out from home, sometimes it’s simply a matter of having the right surroundings. Since most of us don’t have private gyms built into our homes, pick a spot in your house, get yourself some equipment, and gussy it up to look like your own little gym. Having a dedicated sweat space is an easy way to set your mind in workout mode every time you pass by it. It can be as complex as setting up an indoor cycle or a squat rack and a set of weights, or as simple as a yoga mat, some resistance bands, and a dumbbell or two. 

Get Accountable

One of the reasons group fitness classes are so effective is because they use good old-fashioned peer pressure! (Well, positive peer pressure, to be precise.) When you get down with others in a crowded aerobics room, or go one-on-one with a personal trainer, you know you can’t just throw in the towel, because there’s someone there who’s going to be seriously judging if you do! For that reason, our next workout motivation tip is to make yourself accountable to your family and friends. Tell them how much you’re going to work out, for how long, even what fitness results you want to see. And then every week, check in with them. That little undeniable pressure will go a long way towards keeping yourself on track. 

Go Virtual!

Our final, and probably most important, workout motivation tip is to find yourself a virtual fitness platform. A good workout streaming service will deliver the exhilaration of group fitness classes right into your living room. So no matter what’s happening during your day, you know you can just turn on your smart TV, tablet, computer, or phone, and start sweating with professional trainers in a group setting. 

And if you’re looking for the best virtual fitness service, look no further than Studio SWEAT onDemand! With a huge library of onDemand workouts, classes for all fitness levels, plus a team of passionate instructors leading you on, SSoD is the perfect way to get motivation while working out from home. And the best part: our tight-knit, world-wide community of members is always ready to lend a helping hand, a kind word, or a swift kick to the tuchus (if that’s what you’re looking for). Sign up for a 7-Day Free Trial, and get ready for all the exercise-inspo you can handle!