There are only so many hours in a day. Between work, school, and family life, it’s hard to find time to drive to the gym, change, workout, shower, and drive home. Plus, it’s difficult to leave the house once you get home from work, especially if the weather is bad or you have a family dinner to cook. Is it possible to have an effective workout at home? The answer is a resounding yes!

Follow these tips for successful home workouts:

Make it fit your schedule

If you only have 15 or 20 minutes, use that time effectively and get a quick strength or cardio session. In fact, 7 minutes is enough time for a legitimate workout, just ask The Huffington Post! PRO TIP: To make this a priority, schedule it into your calendar the night before.

Roll out of bed and workout

You don’t have to worry about what you look like or if your clothes match. Set up the equipment you need the night before, head out of the bedroom and start moving.

Be the DJ

Music is a big motivator, and you can choose whatever gets you moving or helps you relax. Since you’re in control, play your music as loud, or soft, as you wish.

Catch up on a favorite show

At home, you can watch something live, a DVR-ed show, or catch up on a Netflix series while working out.

No more forgotten items

It’s frustrating when you get to the gym only to discover you forgot water, music, or your sneakers. Exercising at home means you always have everything you need on hand.

The options are endless

If you need extra motivation or direction, you can watch exercise videos on DVD, on-demand via cable, or online. Popular online options include Grokker, Daily Burn, and Greatist’s The Best Free Workout Videos on YouTube.

Workout with your kids

When you're stuck in the house with little ones, get them involved with your exercise routine and have some fun. This super Dad didn't have to choose exercise or spending time with his kids, he did both at once!

No crowds

It’s annoying when you can’t find an open treadmill or the class you want to attend is packed. At home, you don’t have to fight for floor space or share equipment.

No intimidation factor

It can be intimidating to workout with people who are faster or more fit than you. It can be beneficial to go at your own pace and get the most out of your routine without comparing yourself to others.

Change the view

Tired of looking at your living room or basement? Take your routine outside and soak in the greenery and fresh air. Also, a tough workout can feel less intense when done on soft ground rather than a hard floor.

Take a boutique class virtually

Many boutique fitness studios and some gyms now offer live-stream classes. You can get the instructors prompts as if you were actually in the class.

Pick your intensity

Working out at home is not choosing the easy option. It’s just as easy to slack off in the gym. Put in the effort and you will see the results. You can track your weight loss progress with our Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom Scale. It tracks your original starting weight, weight change from your most recent weigh-in and your current weight. For those who are looking for more information, such as muscle mass and body fat, we recommend our Body Check Body Fat Digital Scale. Both scales are great accountability buddies and will help monitor your health and fitness journey at home.

Do you have a favorite home workout? Tweet it to us at @eatsmartscales.