Tips for Working Out in an Apartment

Living apartments usually come in different shapes, sizes, and locations. Thus, the environment within your residence might not be ideal for working out. A subpar environment for working out could be due to numerous reasons such as thin walls, resulting in complaints by the neighbors regarding noise levels coming from your apartment. Some apartments are also small and restrictive, with minimal to no open spaces to set up as a temporary or designated working area. Furthermore, having an area that is too small to suit your requirements can lead to disturbing roommates or breaking objects around the apartment. These challenges make home workouts quite challenging for many individuals, specifically in apartments.

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Creating Space

Even though apartments can be restrictive on square footage, it is possible to create a dedicated area for your workouts. For instance, in the living room, you can move aside the chairs and the coffee table, or even in the dining area where you can push aside the dining table for additional space. Depending on the equipment in use, you can move everything back in place after the workout is complete. If you use a compact treadmill or similar equipment, it is especially important to designate an area that is free of obstruction (see our treadmill safety tips for more). You can fold some workout equipment (i.e., exercise bikes) to easily store in out-of-the-way areas of the apartment.

Setting Up Your Equipment

You may want to acquire some equipment to help make your workout area as noiseless as possible. These include some moderately thick workout mats or carpets. Placing these mats on the dedicated space area will provide you with an exercise area free from thumping noises, which could be disturbing to the neighbors. Additionally, if you are using more advanced equipment such as treadmills (see Best Compact Treadmills for Apartments) or ellipticals (see Best Ellipticals for Small Spaces), ensure you are using a model that is on the quieter side. Additionally, a well-oiled and greased machine is noticeably quieter and less likely to disturb your neighbors.

Choose an Appropriate Workout Regimen

Choosing a workout that fits within your apartment’s constraints is integral. When living in an apartment, you will need to choose exercises that do not result in too much noise and require minimal space. Therefore, for body strength and cardio exercises, you may utilize squats, push-ups, lunges, crunches, sit-ups, side planks, burpees, hip thrusts, glute bridges, among many other exercise routines. You may also incorporate the many types of yoga in your routine, as this will help you work out in small spaces without producing disturbing amounts of noise.

However, you can also supplement your workouts with light weights and some noiseless equipment found in the gym when aiming for a more intense workout session. For instance, you may purchase a set of dumbbells suited to your weight capacity. You may also add some stuff like rollers, resistance bands, treadmills, bikes, and foam rollers, assuming you can keep the noise at a minimum. These will help you work out your muscles more intensely without taking up too much room or causing loud noises.

Use Readily Available Equipment

If standard workout equipment or weights aren’t appropriate for your situation, you may use some of the items already in your apartment. For instance, filled water bottles and soup cans, heavy backpacks, laundry baskets are useful as free weights during your workouts in the studio. You may further use the wall, couch, step stools, chairs, and tables for positioned exercising of your body muscles. Engaging in demanding tasks such as house cleaning could also be a form of exercise on its own.

Establish a Routine

Routines are essential for proper results from your workouts (see Everyday Benefits of Walking on a Treadmill). Thus, you can always make out a schedule detailing your workout program to minimize confusion. Alarms are useful as reminders that it is time to start your daily exercise. Additionally, you can tailor your workout schedule around optimal times to avoid disturbing your neighbors or roommates.

Final Thoughts

Over the years, home workouts have proven quite fruitful, effective, and budget-friendly when compared to paying for a gym membership. Unfortunately, working out in an apartment presents new problems that those in stand-alone homes do not encounter. Close neighbors, thin walls, and small space are only a few of the challenges present in apartment workouts.

Properly setting up your workout area in your apartment will guarantee a win-win situation. Having the proper setup allows you to receive quality and intensive workouts while also saving some money in the process. Additionally, preparing your workout area by including quiet and compact equipment can make your workouts in your small area much more engaging. While there are numerous problems associated with working out in a small living space, don’t let that deter you! With a little preparation, you may find it an enjoyable and convenient experience to help maintain your health.