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Starting my home workout journey was a game-changer for me. Like many, I initially struggled to find the motivation and knew I needed to start small. That’s when I discovered a simple 7-minute workout on YouTube. It was perfect for beginners and helped me kickstart my fitness routine without feeling overwhelmed.

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My Journey from 7 Minutes to a Personalized Routine

At first, I committed to doing that 7-minute workout daily. As my stamina improved, I gradually searched for other YouTube videos, increasing the length from 7 to 10, then 20, and eventually 30 minutes. I explored different routines focusing on strength, cardio, and flexibility. Over time, I watched so many videos that I started mixing and matching the exercises that worked best for me, creating a personalized routine that keeps me motivated and energized.

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My Favorite Home Workouts — Now a Custom Routine

Here’s a look at my evolved routine, built from the best exercises I’ve learned along the way. It’s flexible, effective, and tailored to my fitness level.

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Before diving into the main workout, I spend about 5 minutes warming up my body. This helps increase blood flow, loosen muscles, and prepare my joints for movement, reducing the risk of injury.

• Jumping Jacks: A full-body cardio move that gets your heart rate up quickly. It also activates your arms, legs, and core.

• Arm Circles and Leg Swings: Gentle movements to loosen up shoulder joints and hip muscles, improving flexibility and range of motion.

• Light Jogging in Place: Keeps the blood flowing and gradually raises your heart rate, setting the tone for a more intense workout.

Tip: Never skip the warm-up — it’s essential for safe and effective exercise.

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2. Strength & Cardio Circuit (15-20 minutes)

This is the core of my workout. I rotate through a series of exercises, aiming for 2-3 rounds depending on how I feel. Rest for about 30 seconds between rounds to catch my breath and prepare for the next set.

• Bodyweight Squats: Great for strengthening thighs, hips, and glutes. Focus on proper form—keep your back straight and knees over toes.

• Push-Ups: Target chest, shoulders, and arms. If standard push-ups are too challenging at first, I modify by doing them on my knees or against a wall.

• Lunges: Improve leg strength and balance. I alternate legs with each repetition, stepping forward and lowering hips until both knees are bent at about 90 degrees.

• Planks: Build core stability. I hold the position for 15-30 seconds, gradually increasing the duration as I get stronger.

• Jumping Jacks: Reintroduce cardio to keep my heart rate elevated.
• Sit-Ups or Crunches: Strengthen abdominal muscles, helping to improve posture and core strength.

Tip: Mix these exercises based on how your body feels. Feel free to swap in different moves or add new ones to keep things fresh.

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3. Cool Down & Stretch (5 minutes)

After the workout, I dedicate time to cooling down and stretching. This helps reduce muscle soreness and improves flexibility.

• Hamstring Stretch: Sit or stand and reach toward your toes to stretch the back of your thighs.
• Quad Stretch: Standing on one leg, pull your foot toward your buttock to stretch the front of your thighs.
• Shoulder and Arm Stretches: Cross your arm across your chest or behind your head to relax shoulder muscles.
• Deep Breathing and Relaxation: Slow, deep breaths help lower your heart rate and promote relaxation after exertion.

Tip: Stretch gently—never force your muscles into painful positions.

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How My Routine Evolved

When I started, I depended on quick, manageable workouts like the 7-minute session. Over time, I loved exploring longer routines and discovering new exercises through YouTube. Eventually, I combined my favorite moves into a custom workout tailored to my goals, making my routine more engaging and effective.

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Tips for Your Own Home Workout Journey:

• Start small: Even 7 minutes is better than nothing.
• Gradually increase: Add a few minutes or new exercises as your stamina improves.
• Explore and learn: Use different videos and exercises to keep things interesting.
• Create your routine: Combine your favorite exercises into a personalized plan.

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Final Thoughts

Your fitness journey doesn’t have to start big. I began with a simple 7-minute workout, and now I have a routine that fits my lifestyle and keeps me motivated. The key is consistency and enjoying the process.

If you’re just starting out, I highly recommend checking out beginner-friendly YouTube workouts and building from there. Over time, you’ll find what works best for you—and maybe even create your own unique routine, just like I did.