When you are working from home, there are very few distractions to pull you away from daily tasks. You don’t have to dash from one conference room to another. Conversations aren’t taking place for you to eavesdrop on, and nobody is behind you sharing spoilers about the latest episode of the show you haven’t seen yet. As far as getting work done goes, you’re on a roll!
But what if you find yourself a little too much “in the zone” and eight hours have gone by and you’ve barely moved from your desk? You think you got up once to refresh your coffee … but maybe that was yesterday. If this sounds familiar, consider scheduling in some stretching and finding some time daily to exercise.
You may be thinking that this idea is great in theory, but not possible in your apartment. After all, you had to set up a home office in the corner of the living room and there isn’t any more free space for an exercise area. But with just a little bit of planning, you can find room for an apartment workout. Here’s how:
Rearrange the Furniture
The first step is to create some space. It doesn’t have to be a lot – just enough so that you can stretch your arms out to either side and not touch anything. Lay flat and stretch your arms behind you, as well. There should be space for your arms and feet to fully extend.
If you think you’ll want to stream exercise classes on your computer or TV, plan your workout area accordingly. Relocate your sofa to the opposite wall and rethink the coffee table. Maybe put it to the side of the couch instead of in front of it. Or move it to an open spot under the window. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter and furniture by storing it temporarily in another room.
Gather Your Exercise Equipment
You don’t need a bunch of expensive exercise equipment. There are many exercises you can do without any equipment at all, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. But if you do want a few tools for your workouts, consider the following:
- Small hand weights
- Resistance bands
- Yoga blocks
- A step stool or step bench
- An exercise ball
- Ankle weights
You don’t need a treadmill to do cardio. You could jump rope, walk or jog in place, or even put on your favorite song and dance. If you want something a little more challenging, a step stool or step bench might be ideal. Some video game consoles offer workout attachments if you prefer to exercise in game mode.
Store your supplies in a storage bench, closet, or built-in cupboard near your workout area. Keeping them close by and easily accessible will make it easier to take quick exercise breaks.
Consider Your Neighbors
If you live in an upper-level apartment, your jumping jacks could sound quite loud in the apartment beneath you. A thick mat, such as a yoga mat, can help absorb noise and lessen the impact. Try to control your movements and make them very deliberate – this can also help lower the noise level.
Consider talking to your neighbor if you are still concerned about the amount of noise you might be making. Explain that you are planning to take short exercise breaks throughout the day and ask if there are any times your neighbor would rather you avoid. Ask them to please let you know if they find the noise disturbing. Hopefully, once they know what is happening, they’ll be understanding.
Remember: Safety First
Before starting any exercise routine, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor. Be sure to clear your space of any obstacles before performing exercises, and always stretch first to avoid injury. According to Harvard Health, it’s a good idea to start gradually and build intensity slowly over time. Other tips include varying your workouts, staying hydrated, and ending your workout session with a cool down.
