Exercise

Ways To Use A Small Workout Space

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In our new place, we have a lot more space than we used too (YAY!) but unfortunately, this does not include a home gym (boo!) and means I still have small workout space.

With increasing house prices, the trend towards confined living space increases and when you have children it starts to get smaller and smaller. When maximizing available space for living essentials, there may not be a whole lot left over for exercise equipment and quite honestly it can be expensive. Having a fully furnished home gym for many (including us) is an impossibility and let’s be honest, a membership to a gym isn’t for everyone, so if you are trying to get fit from the privacy of your own home, a little research and creativity can make it happen. Here are some of the ways I try to workout at home with small workout space and make the most of what I have!

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Skipping Rope

Skipping is a great calorie burner and HIIT exercise, plus practice makes perfect and simply using a skipping rope can give you a brisk and effective cardiovascular workout. This simple and affordable piece of workout equipment can also be stored easily and won’t take up any space. Watch out for light fixtures and remember that you don’t need a lot of slack, if you are hitting the ceiling with the rope then you have too much left.

If you are of the very tall variety, unlike me, you may find it best to jump rope in the garden or just outside or instead you can even replicate the cardio workout of jumping rope without needing an actual rope. Ghost jumping can have the same workout benefits as long as you commit to jumping you don’t need the actual rope, although if you have downstairs neighbours you might want to reconsider until they have gone out!

Foldable Workout Equipment

Turns out if you have the budget but not the space, foldable workout equipment such as this stationary bike and rowing machine are the way forward because they can be more easily stored and put away afterward. Although they are not usually something you would associate with conserving space in your own home, if you are looking for a long-term budget-friendly option and you enjoy using the machines then this is for you. Some of these models can easily be folded up small enough to fit in a cupboard or under a bed so you can fold it away once you are done. You could even invest in a pedal exerciser that fits under your desk so you can pedal while you work.

Bodyweight Exercises

If you have absolutely no weight or storage space and very small workout space, then for the time being, you can use your own bodyweight and turn it into a decent workout with power combinations. You can also try adding some cardio moves to create excellent HIIT workouts without any equipment at all. For example, jumping squats, walking lunges, burpees or press-ups can all help you to maintain your physique without costing anything, and you can do them on your living or bedroom floor!

Free Weights and Kettlebells

In the middle of this spectrum is using free weights and kettlebells which allow you to intensify any given workout and only require the space to move about during those workouts. Even if you have a tight workout space, moving with these weights and kettlebells should not be a problem and most can easily be stored out of sight when not in use. Kettlebells, when used correctly, provide a full body workout. Just be sure to use a rug or workout mat to possible avoid damaging your flooring.

Stairs

If you have stairs or steps, use them. They are great for cardio and leg workouts and can also help your co-ordination while stair workouts have been known to benefit runners too! You can go as slow or fast as you like so in the beginning, practice them first and if you have a railing, ideally go up and down alongside so that if you trip you have something to catch you. Rocky didn’t run all those steps for nothing.

Yoga or Barre

Yoga or Barre is an ideal solution to working out it an enclosed space since the only room you’ll need is the size of your yoga mat. You would be able to get the physical activity your body needs without occupying more than the size of a doormat. If you are tall just watch out for light fixtures or ceiling fans when stretching in a small workout space.

Workout Videos

There are an array of workout videos online or you can buy exercise DVD’s that accommodate a variety of styles and interests such as dance, body combat, pilates, yoga and many more that range from beginner to expert which means you will be able to find the ones that you need.