Did you know that there are some really cool ways that you can get and stay fit without crossing the threshold of a proper gym? I hate to be the one to say it but statistics have shown that the likelihood of you using that gym membership may be less than amazing and probably will diminish over time. 

Let’s face it, the gym environment (despite the diversity of options for gyms that are present in most places) is not for everyone, either due to personal preference of atmosphere, lack of self-confidence, or simply logistical issues such as time, money or transportation, or even a combination of these. 

Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can stay in shape and get some exercise without ever stepping foot into a gym. Spoiler alert: Many of them are free!!!!

Consider the following 5 suggestions that can provide a good workout in an alternative setting:

1. Walking

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. If you commit to a daily habit of walking it can improve your wellness beyond your wildest dreams. Some of the benefits of regular brisk walking include: 

• Reduces stress
• Improves your immune system
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves sleep quality
• Increases energy levels
• Strengthens muscles
• Improves your balance
• Helps you maintain a healthy body weight
• Improves your mental health
• Improves your mood
• Boosts brain power
• Increases creativity
• Reduces your risk of chronic diseases
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Strengthens your bones
• Can help you live longer

Whether you walk in your neighborhood park or your neighborhood. Walking can change your life. Walking and hiking are excellent ways to exercise without going to a gym. A brief stroll or a vigorous hike will be worth the time and the effort, and you will be happy that you did it.

2. Try A Sport 

If you are more of a social butterfly, a local sports team may be a great fit and great fun for you. Most areas have adult league teams that play a variety of sports such as softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, kickball, or tennis. Even if you’ve never played a team sport before, there is a good chance that you can find a sport and team that is appropriate for your skill level and physical ability. 

You might be surprised at how much you enjoy your newfound activity and the comradery of your teammates. You may also discover a new talent that you were unaware of. A newfound sport can help you to stay fit and improve your mental and emotional health. If you find the right sport and the right team to join, it will most certainly be a win-win situation for you.

3. Participate In An Obstacle Course

A fast-growing trend in outdoor fitness activities is organized obstacle courses, and there are options for every level of athlete, many of which are also themed which makes them more fun and interesting. 

Obstacle courses such as Tough Mudder, Zombie Mud Run, Spartan Race, etc. are just 3 of the multiple options of fun obstacle course races that will certainly give you a complete workout without going to the gym. You will get fit while having a ton of fun!

4. Hop on a Bike

Cycling is a great way to experience the outdoors while getting in great physical shape. It’s a low-impact exercise that ramps up your heart rate, burns a ton of calories, and improves cardiovascular health. Cycling builds leg strength while strengthening your core. Like other forms of exercise, it improves your immune system and is great for your mental health. Most of all, it can help you feel like a kid again!

5. Try Yoga or Pilates

For the hardcore, yoga and Pilates may seem like a walk in the park. But, I would challenge you to think again. You can get in amazing shape by practicing yoga and Pilates. They both help to build overall muscle strength and tone your core while increasing your range of motion and joint stability. Here are some of the potential  health benefits of yoga:

• Increases flexibility
• Increases muscle tone
• Improves balance
• Weight reduction
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves sleep
• Increases energy
• Improves mental health
• Improves stress response
• Improves outlook on life
• Improves self-care practices

Bonus Options for the less hard-core workout enthusiast:

Getting fit and staying in shape begins in the mind. That’s right, having the right mindset toward fitness and being physically active can go a long way in improving your healthy lifestyle. So for those of you who may be less enthusiastic about lacing up those tennis shoes, you might want to consider a different strategy to get you started. Here are 3 tips to help you get in a vertical upright position and start to move your body.

1. Donate Your Time/Labor

Volunteering in your local community, or with a charitable organization such as Habitat for Humanity, will get you moving and active without stepping on a treadmill. The sense of accomplishment and reward that your philanthropic activities will yield will make you feel better both physically and emotionally. 

2. Turn Cleaning Routine Into A Workout

Most household chores (vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, general maintenance, and cleaning) involve physical activity.  Instead of hiring a cleaner, why not turn these tasks into a workout? Accomplishing this efficient use of your energy is as simple as putting on your workout clothes, turning on your favorite workout music, and just putting a little more energy into your movements as you get your house chores done. A new study says that doing household chores, like washing dishes can lower the incidence of heart disease in women!!! According to this study doing household chores for 30 minutes, five times a week can reduce your risk of death by 28%. WOW

3. Start a Garden

Gardening requires the use of all major muscle groups: arms, shoulders, legs, neck, back, core, and glutes. It’s considered a weight-bearing exercise and as such you will build muscle and burn calories. You will reap all the benefits of being out in nature that including lowering stress and soaking up vitamin D from the sun. 

According to this article, “Gardening can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol or prevent diabetes, heart disease, depression, and osteoporosis when practiced on a regular basis. Exercise in the garden gives all major muscle groups a good workout including your legs, arms, buttocks, stomach, neck, and back. Whether it comes in the form of digging up soil, setting plants, or carrying water, exercise is taking place. Weeding, pruning, mowing, and even walking around the yard can increase heart rate and tone up the body. Your brain even gets a chance to work out as you plan garden designs and absorb information from resource materials.

Final Thoughts

We are all wired differently. One person’s pain is another person’s passion. That is why there is something for everybody. We don’t all have to be up in the gym to get and stay fit. There are so many ways to get in shape when we just open our minds to the possibilities. This is a short list of some options that may have never been considered before. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works for you. Whether you are a hard-core mud racer or an “Ima put on my music and clean this house” kinda girl, it doesn’t matter. What matters most is that you do something. 

Creating and maintaining an exercise routine can add years to healthspan. 

YOU deserve the best!

Be well + prosper,

Elaine xx