With everything going on right now and being stuck inside, the idea of getting a fitness routine started up at home becomes very attractive. 

But there is a problem. What seems like a simple solution to stop a sedentary lifestyle and jump start your fitness might actually be complicating things even more. 

Many people have invested in workout equipment, clothes, and shoes with the best of intentions but find themselves neglecting them, even though they’re within arm’s reach.

So, what's going on here? Why haven’t your home workouts worked?

If you want some ideas and are looking for more at-home workouts, check out our newly released "Fit @ Home" Video Series.

Now let's take a look at three complicating factors which stand between you and a successful at-home exercise experience.

When you walk into a gym, the entire facility is designed with health and fitness in mind. From the front desk to the changing room, everything redirects your focus towards a workout.

During these times we do not have a gym to focus fitness efforts. Now we have to put your workout in the context of "home."  

You might set your alarm, wake up early, and have every intention of getting a workout in before your day starts, but on the way down the hall, you notice the laundry has begun piling up.

You have a decision to make. Now you have more than one important task vying for your attention and time.

Between the next streaming TV series, the kids, or that book you're almost finished with, there are plenty of distractions at home which can keep you from getting to your workout.  

This is why going to the gym can be so effective. It removes you from those distractions and gives you a chance to focus on your health and fitness. 

But now that we can’t physically go to the gym, we are missing two things that we need to stay active and healthy.

Most people who want to start a home workout routine immediately remove themselves from the social aspects of a workout.  

With no coach, no personal trainer, and no workout buddies, who is there to make sure you're actually reaching your fitness goals?

For those who struggle with motivation already, the privacy of a home workout can lead to development of bad habits.

Who's going to know if you did that last rep, or jogged on the days you said you were going to go out for a run? 

Most people don't realize how beneficial a social environment is to physical fitness until it's gone. 

Ask anyone who has invested in a home gym or started at-home workouts what they miss the most about working out at a fitness center, and they are probably going to say “other people."

Accountability is a very important part of a fitness regimen, and one of the best ways to include it is by making your workouts more social, not more isolated. 

Let's be honest here: very few people have room for all of the equipment available at your local gym.

This being the case, most people simply make do with what they are able to fit easily in their guestroom. Maybe a few dumbbells, a balance ball, a jump rope, and of course an elliptical machine!

If you choose to go this route, it means that you cannot easily graduate to a heavier weight, or train a particular muscle group because you don't have the right tools for the job.

Of course, under-training is not the only problem which can occur with home workouts. Remember that over-training can be just as detrimental to your health and fitness goals.

Maybe you skipped the lighter weights in the interests of challenging yourself, without realizing how important those small weights can be for a warm-up, or when recovering from a sports injury.

The bottom line is, when you are working out at home you do not have the benefit of fitness experts who can suggest proper exercise programs.

Think of the value in simply being able to ask, "Hey, am I doing this right?" and then having a professional help you through it. You're not going to get that by yourself at home.

This is why our coaches have a specialized and personalized approach to your fitness programs. We chose specific exercises that meet you at your current fitness level and are based on your fitness goals.

Showing up is such a vital part of your commitment to better health and fitness. We aim to make sure you have proper exercise technique to keep you safe and healthy during these uncertain times.

Make the investment in yourself, not only in equipment which is only going to take up space and collect dust, but in expert coaching so you’re not on this journey alone.

If you are looking for more at-home workouts, check out our newly released "Fit @ Home" Video Series.

In this made-for-home workout series, you will receive one new workout each day for the next five days. These workouts include:

• Best exercises to reduce stress
• Our go-to exercises for building up your core
• What to do to improve your lung and heart health
• Our best toning exercises to “feel the burn”
• How to use exercise to boost your energy

Click here to learn more and sign up today!

Mint Condition Fitness is the leading personal training studio in Los Gatos for purpose-driven men and women to lose weight, get out of pain, and do more of the things that make life meaningful.