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Home Work with Trisha

Expert advice about home gyms from Katie Mackenzie, GymGuyz

About a year ago, age and weight had caught up with me. I thought, "I cannot feel this uncomfortable this young." Working out was the last thing on my to-do list between the kids, work, and community commitments. But what I discovered, through working with a personal trainer, is that there IS time to focus on health. I started very slowly and had to psych myself up to say, "You are going to do this. You can't keep canceling on this trainer." It's been a journey, but I feel totally different a year later. 

I talked with Katie Mackenzie, Kirkwood resident and owner of GymGuyz, about creating a designated home workout space. GymGuyz personal trainers bring the workout to your home, whether it's a small space or an elaborate home gym.

Here are the blueprints, the tools, and the expert advice from Katie (KM) to get you started on your healthy-at-home work. 

You don't need a lot of space. But if you do have a designated home gym - use it. 

KM: People just beginning to work out at home don't need much space. Room for a yoga mat and free weights is enough to see results. I have seen many clients with elaborate home gyms outfitted with equipment they never use or don't know how to use. Starting out simple and adding what you need is a great way to build your home gym. 

Having an accountability partner is essential. 

KM: People don't lack places to access home fitness routines. They are lacking motivation. Whether it's an in-home personal trainer, a family member, or a friend, accountability partners are essential for most people's fitness success. However, not all accountability partners are equal because not all motivations are alike. An 80-year-old senior requires a different level of accountability and motivation than a young athlete training for a specific sport. Make sure your personal trainer truly offers personalized accountability for your specific goals. 

Workouts don't have to take 60 minutes, and you don't have to wake up at dawn. 

KM: You will benefit from working out 15 to 20 minutes in the morning and maybe another 15 or 20 minutes later in the day. Our personal trainers offer free assessments and optimize a workout plan that allows you to see results that fit within your (ever-changing) schedule.  

Our remodeled home doesn't include a dedicated in-home gym, but I definitely have space set aside for my yoga mat and kettlebells. Follow along as I continue on my personal health and wellness transformation - in the middle of transforming 408 Gill @HomeWorkWithTrisha and @408GillAve. Katie and GymGuyz can bring the workout to your home. Find out more at gymguyz.com/mid-st-louis-county-mo

  • Trisha McConkey

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