Incorporating Minimalism into Your Workout Routine
Since COVID-19 infiltrated the United States in March 2020, the fitness world has shifted significantly. With many gyms closed for months at a time, home workouts became the new craze to avoid pandemic pounds. Even when fitness centers reopened, many stuck to their YouTube classes instead of re-upping a membership.
If while trapped indoors you anxiously bought every exercise apparatus that popped up on Instagram, and half of it is in storage, don’t beat yourself up.
This article will help you determine what you need for a fulfilling home workout and what you can drop off at Goodwill. By incorporating minimalism into every area of your life, especially exercise, you’ll feel lighter, more focused, and ready to maintain a healthy body and mind.
What is Minimalism?
A minimalistic lifestyle involves living intentionally with what you need and eliminating what you don’t. This can look like owning fewer possessions and removing unnecessary distractions. Ultimately, those who practice minimalism only keep valuable items that evoke positive feelings.
Minimalism gained popularity in the United States after World War II, impacting various disciplines such as architecture, design, and visual arts.
The benefits of minimalism include:
Improved Mental Health: According to a study, women living in a cluttered environment have elevated stress levels. On the contrary, an organized workspace promotes focus and productivity. Plus, when you have less stuff, cleaning and maintaining a home is much easier.
Decreased Materialism: Every time you turn around, some corporation wants you to buy the latest version of said item. When you start to tune out the ads, you’ll be a lot happier and wealthier! Purchasing fewer items also benefits the planet.
Newfound Freedom: Possessions can weigh you down, especially if the item has a negative association or hasn’t been used for years. Once you purge your home, you’ll feel a weight lift off your shoulders.
Minimalism and Exercise
The only item you need for a sufficient workout is yourself, and maybe a yoga mat and sturdy pair of sneakers. If you ever searched online for a guided sweat session, you probably found tons of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) routines that only utilize body weight. Planks, pushups, squats, lunges, crunches, and other moves can tone your muscles and help you release toxins in a matter of minutes.
Other exercises that don’t require equipment include Pilates, yoga, running, and speed-walking. You can also do an online at-home subscription.
If you’re dead set on using equipment, there are plenty of options that won’t take up too much space.
TRX: With suspension training, you can up your intensity even more during body-weighted exercises. The TRX also comes with a pouch for easy storing.
Adjustable Dumbbells: Instead of buying multiple sets of dumbbells to adhere to different muscle groups, you can buy one set and adjust the weight as you please.
Yoga Mat: As stated earlier, you need a yoga mat for almost every home workout. Blankets can be slippery, floors can be dirty, and grass has its own set of consequences (dog pee, bugs…you get it). You can easily roll up a yoga mat to store in a closet.
Comfort & Quality
As we approach the new year, it’s a great time to donate workout clothes that no longer suit you and freshen up what you have or make some mindful purchases.
Some timeless staples include:
Crop Tops: With your midriff exposed, you’ll stay cool while putting out a flirty, fun vibe.
Hats: If you’re preferred exercise method involves the outdoors, hats can be a game-changer. With tons of options from baseball caps to bucket hats, this accessory protects you from the sun while also keeping your hair tamed.
Oversized Tees: If crop tops aren’t your thing, these are a great option. You can choose a plain tee or one with a logo that fits your style.
Yoga Pants: There’s nothing like quality exercise leggings that maintain their shape and fit. Find a brand that best fits you, and you’ll end up wearing them daily.
Sneakers: Foot health is so important, especially if you’re a runner. Even as a minimalist, expect to upgrade your sneakers every six months depending on your mileage. The Maximalist to Minimalist blog recommends Asics, Brooks, and Saucony.
Part of being a minimalist is finding multiple uses for your items, and fitness clothes are no exception. Athleisure is a style that incorporates workout clothes in everyday outfits. Pair your black leggings with a short dress or romper. Spice up a clubbing outfit by putting a neon sports bra under a see-through shirt. Pair a sporty tank top with a pair of jeans. For a style that radiates comfort and sexiness, the possibilities are endless.
Fitness-Minimalism Connection
Studies have shown exercising regularly can stave off depression, heart disease, high cholesterol, anxiety, and other health issues. On a mental and physical level, it improves your quality of life. When paired with the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle, you’ll see major positive change in no time.