Getting results while exercising in your own space can be a challenge—this is how home-fitness converts and a pro-trainer make the most of their workouts
This article was originally published on Christie’s International Real Estate’s lifestyle blog, Luxury Defined.
Gym closures have changed our ways of working out and, while things are slowly reopening, exercise has moved into more creative spaces. Case in point: stars like Venus Williams are sharing home workout videos, livestreaming impressive sets of bicep curls from their backyards. It’s something many Americans are keen to try, according to digital fitness brand Polar, which has reported a 13 percent increase in outdoor exercise since lockdown began.
Working out at home can also have an unexpected side effect—it can make you work harder. “I worked out several times a week before the pandemic,” says Elizabeth Lucchesi, a real estate professional, whose colleagues at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. describe her as a major fitness buff. “But now I find I exercise even more. I don’t have to pack a gym bag or commute—I have the time.”
Lucchesi isn’t alone in finding a few extra minutes for a home workout. It’s a trend that Christopher Hoey, a professional trainer and physiotherapist with a number of high-profile clients in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas, has noticed too.
“In a gym setting, I’d often catch the person I was training looking at the clock,” he says. “Now that we’ve moved our workouts to their homes and yards, I’ll call time on a session and they’ll be surprised it’s gone so fast. A lot of the time, they ask if we can do more.”
Working out in your own environment immediately gives you a psychological boost—Christopher Hoey
Seth Watsky, an Associate Vice President at Christie’s International Real Estate, points out one drawback to his home exercise routine. “I’m working out more, but the downside is I don’t have weights or an instructor with me. I worry that the level of intensity isn’t as high as when I’m in the gym.”
So, is it possible to keep up the pace and get results from exercising at home? “Absolutely,” says Hoey. “Your house is probably one of your largest investments, so working out in that environment—one you’ve made a personal choice to be in— immediately gives you a psychological boost. But the trick is to keep it creative. So, you’ve got to find ways to constantly keep it stimulating and avoid getting bored.” Here are four tips to put that into action.
Plan to Succeed
“When everything closed down, I knew I needed to create a weekly exercise plan and stick to it,” Lucchesi says. “That’s my top advice: make working out a scheduled event. If you don’t, you won’t move your body. Your week may be busy, but make sure to schedule you first—and don’t look for an excuse, you will find it.
“It doesn’t need to be hard work. If you find something that you love doing, it can be really fun. But then tell someone about it—tell them you’re going to walk a mile and lift two full wine bottles for your bicep curls for the day. And give them permission to keep you accountable.”
Switch up the kind of exercise you try: yoga on one day, TRX training on another. The change in routine can help to keep you motivated—Seth Watsky
Head Outdoors
“During the pandemic, I’ve taken all workouts outdoors,” Hoey says. “It’s had great results. Being in a beautiful, visually interesting setting makes it easy to distract yourself. You push a little harder without realizing it.”
Watsky is a fan of heading outside, too. “I’m fortunate to live across from Hamilton Park in Jersey City and, after lockdown restrictions were eased, I’ve been able to exercise there regularly—it’s helped keep me focused and feeling productive. Weekends, it feels great to get out of the city and go for hikes or long bike rides”
While exercising outdoors during the heat of summer may seem counterintuitive, Hoey points out a major benefit. “Most gyms and indoor spaces are kept pretty cold. Being outside right now makes it easier to warm up muscles and work on issues like back pain or sciatica.” While he recommends avoiding the hottest parts of the day, he points out that the warm weather means you can try different kinds of exercise you wouldn’t normally do with your trainer in a gym. “For example, I get those clients who are looking to lose weight to swim. It’s such a great workout.”
Make the Most of Your Space
Whether you have access to a home gym or simply build up a sweat in your living room, Hoey believes you can make workouts work for you, no matter the space you have. “Some of my clients’ properties have those beautiful pools, tennis courts, and even private gyms, which are great for exercising,” he says, “but just finding a set of stairs to do step-ups can give you a good workout.”
“I live in an apartment, so on days when I can’t get outside, I’ve turned my bedroom and living room into my gym,” Watsky adds. “I keep it interesting by switching up the kind of exercise I do: yoga on one day, TRX training on another. It not only activates different muscle groups, but the change in routine also keeps me motivated.”
It doesn’t need to be hard work. If you find something that you love doing, it can be really fun—Elizabeth Lucchesi
Go Virtual
“There are some days where I can see that the weather, or a client’s work schedule, will make getting out of the house a challenge,” Hoey admits. That’s where an online session can come in handy.
“At first the notion of virtual classes was silly to me,” Lucchesi admits. “I value having an instructor to correct my form and push me to get more out of my sessions. But virtual classes have honestly been a highlight of working out at home. I didn’t think those small 20-minute bursts of working out would get me through the head game that lockdown can play, but they have.
“So head online if it’s the only way you can get moving that day. Science has proven that any form of exercise can boost your mood—it definitely helped me to push through this time.”
Banner image: Getty Images
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Just Listed on Lake Simcoe: 968 Degrassi Cove Pl W, Innisfil
This custom home direct waterfront home was built in 2000 by the current owner and has served as a sanctuary for family and friends. Over their 22 years of ownership, they have enjoyed the property during every season.
Degrassi Cove is a small and exclusive waterfront community and share the private road. The forested lands on the opposite side of the street provide great privacy. There is no vehicle traffic other than the neighbours, so it is very safe for kids.
Built as a 4-season home and located on the west-side of Lake Simcoe. You will enjoy north-west facing views of the lake and sunsets. There are no stairs to the water’s edge. The water table is level to the lot, which offers a beautiful beach area along the shoreline. There is great swimming and boating. The portable dock is 65 ft long with a 12’ x 12’ patio area. Boating enthusiasts can store their boat in the dry boathouse. Entertaining on the lake is so easy!
The home offers 2,700 sf on the main and upper level. The principal rooms offer generous space including a large private family room, formal dining room, large great room combined with the eat-in kitchen. In addition, there is 1,535 sf of finished space on the walk-out level. There are four generous size bedrooms. The primary bedroom is situated on the main level and overlooks the lake, and includes a five-piece ensuite, a walk-in closet and a garden door to the lakeside patio area. The three other bedrooms are located on the second floor.
The lower level includes a large recreation room with wood-burning fireplace and a walk-out to the lake. A large office with a built-in desk and bookcases can serve as a large 5th bedroom. The 3-piece bathroom is also equipped with a partially finished cedar-lined sauna. There is plenty of storage space on this level too.
$2,500,000
Photography by @ishutterphoto
Staging by @chateau_designandstaging
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Just Listed: 30 George Street, Bayfield.
This professionally designed custom-built home embodies a comfortable, vintage cottage feel built with energy efficient maintenance-free materials. This home offers a private park-like setting, with in- town conveniences. It’s a nature lover’s lot…a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. This one in in a million home was showcased in a 16-page spread in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine.
Shiplap walls and wood slat ceilings throughout impart a cabin-like coziness. The primary bedroom is secluded on the main floor overlooking a wooded area that surrounds the property. The front office duals as an additional main floor bedroom adjacent to a 3-piece bathroom. The upper level includes two additional bedrooms that provide enhanced privacy for guests. One of the bedrooms functions as a seating area with a Murphy bed and small kitchenette. It has been designed as a secure space for future rental opportunity.
Located in the charming lakeside village of Bayfield, this property is a stone-throw away from Lake Huron, a short walk to town, the fishing pier and marina, Pioneer Park and the Community playground. This spectacular property backs on to a designated environmental area and surrounded by trees makes it an ideal retreat for entertaining family and friends.
$1,495,000
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There are rooms with a view, and then there are bathrooms with a view. What better way to end your day than in this freestanding tub.
Design @candaceplotzdesign
Photo @patrickbiller
Builder @jeffery_homes
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For Sale: 334 Metro Road N, Georgina
Sweet 3 bedroom home that has a light and airy feel to the interior. Vaulted ceiling with open concept design creates a welcoming feel with plenty of natural sunlight all afternoon. Hardwood floors in bedrooms. Updated interior ready to be moved in to. It is a special place to call home or cottage.
Large wrap-around deck features West-facing views of 2-acre park of which you would be a 1/10th owner. Private dock for all park owners. Deeded Lake Simcoe access is rare to find. Very private setting with mature trees.
$964,000
Message us today for more information or to book private showing.
staging by @chateau_designandstaging
photography by @ishutterphoto
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20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina provides views of the lake from all spaces on the west side of them home, including the great room, kitchen, dining area, and primary bedroom.
You will enjoy the morning sunrise from the front covered porch and of course, sunset views from the lakeside. The natural sunlight fills the home with warmth and light all day long. It’s tranquil, serene, and welcoming.
In the design stages, the current owner had some important “must-have’s” including a Muskoka like feel, spaciousness, sun-filled rooms, and an “understated elegance“ carried throughout the home.
Some of the interior features include:
– 3 bedrooms on main level and 2 additional bedrooms on the lower level
– 3 full bathrooms plus powder room
– 10.9 ft ceiling height on the main level and 9 ft ceiling height on the lower level
– Great room includes custom millwork and 13 ft vaulted coffered ceiling
– Gourmet kitchen with upgraded appliances
– Spectacular light fixtures including ceiling fans in each bedroom
– Custom drapery and blinds
– Radiant heated floors in kitchen, primary ensuite and the entire lower level
– Surround sound system both indoors and outdoors
A full list of room features, additional images, virtual tour, and more can be found on our website (link in bio).
This listing is also available on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Listing Price: $1,935,000
DM us to book a private viewing.
Photography @ishutterphoto
Staging @chateau_designandstaging
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Just Listed: 20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina.
When you combine the attention to detail of a quality builder with the owner’s vision to create a sanctuary home, the result is spectacular.
This home offers a “Zen” feel immediately upon your arrival.
The landscaping is wonderfully appointed with a collection of perennial gardens, shrubs, mature trees and privacy hedges on both sides, which is home to many birds. There are several seating areas promote great conversation with family and friends or a place to enjoy some quiet time when you want to be alone and enjoy nature all around you.
This is a wonderful home to entertain in both indoors and outdoors. The raised balcony includes a covered area where you can enjoy a summer rain shower. The open area provides lots of space for your chaise loungers to get some sun and watch an array of boats on the lake.
The lower deck is covered and a perfect location for the 7-seater plus lounger hot tub along with another separate seating area to enjoy the lake views.
Listing Price: $1,935,000
DM us to book a private viewing.
The full listing can be found on our site & on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Photography @ishutterphoto
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Tags: backyard, Exersise, Home Gym, home workout