Even with gyms opening across the country, we think home workouts should be given their due. Not only did they keep us fit during the first year of the pandemic, but they also come with perks that gyms can’t offer. You can try a new workout style or movement without feeling self-conscious. You don’t have to commute, there are no membership fees—and you have a private bathroom. There are some tough parts, too, like missing the energy in a gym or the motivation of being around others. Plus, you have a trainer watching your form in class—a class you’re more likely to take when you’ve paid for it ahead of time.

If any of these cons sound familiar, don’t despair. We’ve got a few tips for how to stick to home exercise—and how to make it worth your time.

1. SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUT

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide when you’re going to work out. If you’re committing to a home workout routine, decide how many sessions you’re going to do per week. This will give you an initial goal—making it harder to think “eh, not today, I’ll do it tomorrow”—which can easily lead to weeks flying by and never finding the time. If your schedule allows, we recommend working out in the morning when you’re still fresh and have the whole day ahead of you. Morning movement will energize you and help you make healthier choices all day, and it’ll keep you from putting it off because you’re ready to make dinner and watch some Netflix.

2. DEDICATE A SPACE

Figure out the best place in your house for your workout and use the same space every time if possible--it’ll help get you mentally revved if your brain associates the space with your practice. If you can, leave your equipment or a mat set up so things are ready to go when you are. (Plus, you’ll see it throughout the day, reminding you of your commitment.) If you can’t leave things out, keep them in a gym bag or a box somewhere nearby so it doesn’t feel like a hassle when you’re ready to work out.

3. SET A GOAL (AND MAKE IT REALISTIC)

Setting a goal, of course, gives you something to work towards. This is important because progress is encouraging. Start with easier goals and work up to more specific ones. Your goal could be in any category—it could be working out a certain number of days, completing a program, doing a certain number of pushups, or stretching after each session. If you have a weight loss goal, start with a goal of losing 5 lbs instead of 20. If you have a goal that feels “big”, like doing your first pullup or working out 5 days a week, break it up into smaller, more frequent goals to increase your confidence. The better your confidence and the more progress you feel you’re making, the easier it will be to enjoy the process—and the more likely you’ll stick to it!

4. USE AN APP OR ONLINE PROGRAM

Another benefit of the rise of the home workout is a plethora of great apps that will lead you in workouts from yoga and dance to kickbox and animal flow. Since no one’s watching, you can try a cardio jazz funk class without thinking about the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of your gym’s studio. In addition to the variety offered, apps can also provide some accountability—paying a little for an app is an extra nudge to remind you to use it. Some apps, like Openfit, even feature trainers leading you through a program for a specified number of weeks. Having a start and finish date can help you stay invested and motivated.

As you’ve probably noticed, there’s no shortage of fitness inspiration on the platform that launched the term #fitspo. If you follow trainers whose personality and workouts you already jive with, check if they offer home workout programs for reasonable prices. It’s a great way to keep on track when you already have a bond with the community—even if it’s through social media!

5. MAKE IT WORTH YOUR TIME

Alright—the sesh is scheduled, your mat is at home in that previously-wasted space between the living room and kitchen, your app is downloaded—but is home exercise really worth your time?

Let’s begin by saying—we think getting some movement is always worth your time, even if it’s rocking side to side with your knees pulled in or doing a baby crawl on the carpet. But if you’re looking for physical results, the best way to get the most out of each workout is to focus on form. Even without a trainer, the internet makes it easier than ever to nail a movement—pull up a youtube video and practice in a mirror. While a trainer in an app can’t check your form for you, they are trained to provide clear cues, and you have the benefit of the pause button.

There are some basics that are universal across the majority of exercises, like keeping a neutral spine, engaging your core, keeping your knees tracking over your toes, and keeping your shoulders depressed (space between the shoulder and ears). If you can’t feel a certain muscle when you’re supposed to be working it (like your glutes or abs), look up some activation exercises. Practice slowly with control until you feel that mind-to-muscle connection.