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With beach weather on the way and gas prices on the rise, you’re not alone in wanting to lose weight and gain muscle without leaving home. Many people mistakenly believe that they need a gym membership to stay in shape—not so! Working out at home is easier than you might think with these eight tips:

  1. Set 2-3 measurable goals

Before you even start your new exercise routine, set 2-3 goals you’d like to achieve. Do you want to lose weight? Improve your stamina? Hit a personal record? Set a goal that you can measure and track. That way, you will feel success and be motivated every time you get closer to your goal.

  1. Get enough sleep

Did you know that sleep is as important to your overall health as diet and exercise? Making good sleep a priority will improve your workout results in more ways than one: you will have more energy for exercise, your body will better regulate its sugars and fats, and sleep deprivation can actually make you feel hungrier than you would with enough sleep.

3.Establish a routine

Lots of workout experts and websites suggest waking up earlier each day to fit exercise into your schedule. Early morning isn’t your only option, however. What really matters is finding a routine that works for you so that you can be consistent and stopping making excuses for skipping out on exercise.

  1. Get a buddy

Find a friend or family member to keep you accountable. Even better, recruit someone to join you in your efforts! You will stay on track better if you have someone cheering you on and helping you focus on your goals.

  1. Get the gear that you need

Just because you aren’t going to the gym doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in some exercise equipment. You will be more efficient with some well-used equipment since some muscle groups are very difficult to exercise otherwise. Purchase a few individual pieces or select a great home gym for an all-in-one solution.

  1. Work out your entire body

It’s all too easy to fall into the habit of focusing on just one part of your body—only lifting with your arms or working on your legs. Instead, you should be exercising your entire body, either by rotating through sections every other day or by integrating some whole-body exercises into your daily routine.

  1. Fix your diet

No matter how much exercise you get, diet will always be a part of successfully staying in shape. That’s not to say you need to try a fad diet or stop eating the things you love! Instead, practice moderation. Make sure you get enough nutrients (and yes, even splurges) to keep you satisfied without overdoing it. Perhaps the most important part of any diet is water: drink plenty of water all day long.

  1. Keep going!

Yes, you CAN get in shape at home by following these steps. You don’t need to go to the gym, but you do need to keep at it, even when you’d rather just lie on the couch and relax.