In our contemporary culture of 24 Hour Fitness and GTL (gym, tan, laundry), the gym may seem like the only option to staying fit and healthy. If you’re the type of woman who is all about that #gymflow, that’s great – you do you, boo.
But for those of you uncomfortable in the weight room or bored on the treadmill, the gym is not the only answer. Staying fit without a membership is possible if you pledge to be an active member and sign your own contract.
If you’re trying to stay in shape without hitting the gym, here are five simple workouts for men and women.
The modern era of planes, trains and automobiles tempts most of us to take transportation for a quick trip. Fight the urge, drop the car keys and pick up the pace.
Mayo Clinic says a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, preventing or managing various conditions such as heart disease, strengthening your bones and muscles and improving your mood.
By running errands (literally) or just walking when you can, you’ll move your legs and get fresh air while still crossing items off of your to-do list. Plus, if you buy anything out on your excursion, you can build up some more muscle by carrying those goodies home.
Really, it doesn’t matter what style you try. You can taste test ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, folk, tango, flamenco, ballroom . . . whatever sounds appetizing to you. Pick something that makes your heart flutter. Stop by a dance studio or local recreation center to sign up for a class; often the first session is free for newbies.
Better Health says dancing can improve your muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness all at once. Also, when you take classes, dancing can give you better social skills by putting you around people who are interested in the same thing. Once you start getting comfortable, you’ll start loving and appreciating your body for all the things it can do, which will eventually lead to greater self-confidence and self-esteem.
So put on your dancing shoes to explore a potential new pastime and move your body in a creative way.
If you really wanna dance, go out on the town with your gals. Although a trip to the nightclub may not seem to align with a fit lifestyle, all that dancing is definitely an intense cardio workout.
Leave your Nikes at home, but remember to wear comfortable shoes that won’t make you want to sit down for a drink after every song. Speaking of which, watch the drinks — all those calories from a few Moscow Mules may cancel out your workout, Dancing Queen.
Grab your pup (or a friend’s) and head on over to a dog park to work out with some four-legged personal trainers. The energy of (wo)man’s best friend will motivate you to get up off the grass and get moving.
Karen Soltero tells Women’s Health Mag that since meeting Alex, her dog, she has “dropped 10 pounds, finished two Olympic-distance triathlons and stopped abusing her snooze button.” Alex motivates her to keep moving.
To explain this, Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., an associate professor of nursing at the University of Missouri, tells the magazine, “A dog can do more for you than a treadmill. when you interact with a dog, endorphins rise and stress levels fall. This emotional connection gives an extra boost to your workouts.”
Spending the afternoon in the park will strengthen your bond with your pup and keep both of your bodies healthy. Another perk: while your canine companion is out making friends, you may meet some active, animal-loving mates of your own.
Since it’s important to get outside anyway, why not treat the world as your jungle gym? Turn off Netflix and step outside for an IRL action flick. All you need is an outdoor activity that suits your personality and city climate.
If you live on the coast, catch the morning surf before work or try a night swim after dinner. For mountain-dwellers, try skiing in the snowy winters or climbing in the summer heat. No matter where you live, it’s possible to find an enjoyable activity that keeps you fit — and a five-mile radius away from any gym.
So while the gym may be the go-to place to exercise, it’s not the only place to get a workout. Technically speaking, Everyday Health defines physical activity as a “movement that involves the contraction of your muscles.” In other words, you can do anything that gets your body working and your heart pumping!
