These days, we all have a hectic schedule. A lot of us are taking second jobs or helping out loved ones, and there just isn’t enough time in the day to hit the gym on a regular basis. So what do we do?

I realised a few years ago that while I spent 20 minutes going to the gym, 2 hours in the gym and 20 minutes back home, that I eliminated 3 hours of my day to do something that should only last about 90 minutes. One morning I woke up earlier than usual and as I was laying there, I got the notion to roll out of bed and do 30 push ups. From there I did 25 burpees, which led to 40 squats. Then it hit me!

Why was I going to the gym, sometimes in rush hour traffic, which subsequently gave me a lot of stress, when I could have a home fitness routine right here in my own home? A home fitness routine can be just as effective as going to the gym, if you approach it with the same consistency and dedication. There are no lines to wait to use a machine; there’s no gym etiquette and there’s no expensive gym membership to worry about.

3 ways to have fun building a great home fitness routine:

1. Designate your space

You are working out at home now but you don’t want to put your safety at risk. You want to clear a designated space for yourself where you can do your workouts safely and efficiently. A spare bedroom, the living room or any space where you don’t have to worry about tripping on anything will do. Make sure you’re comfortable in your space. Do you have a mirror so you can see yourself? This is important for things like weight training exercises or any exercises where strength and form is crucial. A mirror also helps you build confidence while you train and see your progress.

2. Pick and choose your battle time

Are you a morning person or are you at your peak in the evening? Whichever one you are, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is sticking to a set schedule. Working out randomly can interfere with rest time in between workouts, which can effect growth and development.

Also a home fitness routine will ensure that you have a 24 hour gym open to you, at your leisure. If you’re a morning person, consider waking up an hour earlier, so you can get a good workout in without worrying about time. A morning workout gets your blood circulating and will give you energy throughout the day. If you’re an evening person, use that energy to get moving. An evening workout is great for working off built up stress that’s accumulated throughout the day. Whether it’s morning or evening, there are benefits to both.

3. Establish your routine

This is the fun part. What do you want out of your workout? You would ask yourself this question in a regular gym and the same question needs to be answered at your home gym. The beautiful thing about home fitness is that you dictate the routine. So what is it going to be for cardio training? Jump rope? Elliptical? Upright exercise bike? Tread climber? It’s all up to you; your space and your budget. Victory loves preparation, so make sure you do your research before committing to a machine. Until then, there’s nothing wrong with callisthenic cardio (jumping jacks, running on the spot).

How about your strength training? Are you into free weights? Body weight training? Free weight training can sculpt and strengthen your muscles giving you a defined physique, while body weight training relies on using your own body weight for resistance. Both methods are good for your bodies and can be done just as efficiently in your home gym.

A home fitness routine was the best thing I could have done for my busy schedule. I spend more time at home. It’s less stressful, I get a great workout and I’m saving a ton of money. I like to get family involved when I workout sometimes. It’s fun to get in shape with the people you love. So get a partner to join in with you. The company gives great motivation and keeps you focused on your routine. However if you are alone, set up that playlist on your stereo and really get moving. However you decide to construct your home fitness routine, make sure it’s done for you and your needs.