The gym isn’t the be all end all to staying fit. In fact, there are more options than ever before for working out wherever and however you want. Whether you don’t want to workout in the gym because of the budget-sucking membership fee or because you prefer to be outside, you have plenty of options for finding a workout routine that better suits you.
For some inspiration, dive into these ideas for how to get in shape without being confined to the gym:
Get Outside
The environment around us offers so many opportunities for getting active. The simplest way to workout outside is of course walking around your neighborhood, but there are many more options.
- Head to your neighborhood park: Whether you live in the suburbs or in the city, there’s likely a park within walking distance. While some parks only have a walking trail (which is still a good way to get your steps in), others have full-on workout equipment ready for use—just don’t forget your disinfectant wipes.
- Do yoga in the backyard: Many of us put a lot of money into landscaping our backyard but get little use out of them, change that by doing yoga in your backyard. All you need is a yoga mat, a flat patch of grass, and somewhere to set up your phone if you want to watch an instructional video.
- Hike local trails: No matter what state you live in, there are likely some kind of hiking trails in the area that you can explore. Whether they’re beachside, through the forest, or somewhere in the desert, take the opportunity to challenge yourself and take your fitness to new heights. Just make sure to tell someone where you’ll be before heading out.
- Join a local running club: Many neighborhoods have their own running clubs that you can join, or you can just start your own with a group of like-minded friends. If you’re just starting out running, make sure you have the right gear. You can pick up a pair of your first running shoes on sale to make sure you enjoy this new workout before committing to an expensive pair.
Use the Space You Have at Home
One of the most overlooked workout spaces is your own home. Whether you live in a studio or have your own home with a spare bedroom, you can find the space you need to stay active without a gym membership. Some people even prefer this option because you don’t have to share the space with anyone else or wait in line for the equipment you need. Not only that, but it’s ideal for those with a busy schedule because you don’t have to go anywhere.
If you are going to work out at home, you should figure out a game plan for your workouts. For example, you can create your own HIIT workout or use an app to guide you through your exercise routines. You’ll also want to invest in a few key pieces of equipment that are recommended for the type of exercise you’re going to be doing. Here are some examples of popular equipment for home workouts:
- Resistance bands as an alternative to weights
- Yoga mats for comfort and balance
- Jump ropes for easy cardio
- Balance balls to help with posture and building your core
- Digital kettle bells to save space
Take Up Water Sports
If you live somewhere near the beach or lake, taking up water sports is a great way to stay in shape without stepping foot in a gym. Spending time near the water has also been tied to mental health benefits, including boosting your mood and promoting relaxation—not a bad way to end the day.
Some fun and effective aquatic exercises you can work into your daily routine include:
- Paddleboarding: While it’s low intensity, paddleboarding can be a great full-body workout. This is because when you’re on a paddleboard, your core is engaged, your legs are supporting you, and your arms are moving while you paddle.
- Surfing: Surfing is another full-body workout. You’ll definitely feel the burn from paddling out (which makes for good cardio), catching waves (which works your core muscles and arms), and guiding the board through the water (using your lower-body strength).
- Kayaking: If you’re in need of a good arm and back workout, kayaking will definitely do it. But it’s also great for ab definition because you have to hold yourself stead. Plus, you can burn hundreds of calories while doing it.
While you might be hesitant because of the cost usually associated with water sports, with a little research you can find affordable surfboards and other equipment for a steal.
Cancel that gym membership and start taking advantage of the free workout spaces around you.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
