If working out more in 2016 was one of your New Year’s resolutions, you’ve probably already discovered that getting to the gym in the gray, cold January weather is not going to be easy.
If you live in an apartment, though, doing a cardio session at home probably isn’t an option either. Your bod might appreciate the p90x routine, but your downstairs neighbors definitely won’t.
Here’s how to keep your willpower strong when you live in an apartment.
Get into yoga
Don’t discount yoga as an effective workout. While there ARE practices that focus on meditation and gentle movements, there are plenty that will give you an intense workout if that’s what you’re looking for.
You can find free videos on Amazon Prime and Netflix (or even YouTube if you don’t feel like paying for a streaming service, I especially like Yoga With Adriene) that focus on core strength and holding poses for a long time.
Bonus: Your yoga mat can act as an extra layer of padding. You’re such a thoughtful neighbor.
Talk to your neighbors
Speaking of neighbors…if you really want to jump around without making them hate you, try talking to them and finding a time to exercise when they won’t be home. If they always work until six and you’re home by five, use that hour to quickly squeeze in a 30 minute cardio-intensive workout like Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.
Just lift, bro
Lifting weights is a stationary activity that, contrary to popular belief, won’t turn you into a scary pro-wrestler incarnate. There are tons of apps out there that can help you create a routine that works for your body. I like Fitocracy and JEFIT (just ignore how PUMPED UP the interface looks) because they have plenty of pictures and ways to choose what type of workout you’re looking for.
You can intersperse your weight training with this cardio video from Blogilates that was especially made for apartment dwellers if you’re still looking for ways to get your heart pumping.
If you don’t have a weight set or hand weights, you can also do strength training exercise using your body weight. This routine is a great place to start and was created for people who live in tiny spaces.
Good luck!
