6 Ways To Keep Fit Without Going To The Gym
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
~ Jim Rohn
If the thought of going to the gym makes you break out in a cold sweat, not from exertion but from pure terror, welcome to the club. I was the president of the “Gym-timidated Club,” where our only exercise was jumping to conclusions. However, life has a funny way of teaching us lessons, and I learned that staying active doesn’t have to involve a gym.
Whether you’re like me and have struggled with the concept of exercise, or you’re just looking for ways to add more movement to your life without the dread, I hope by exploring these varied activities, it can motivate you to embrace daily movement as a source of joy and vitality, and ultimately transforming your approach to your everyday wellness.
Spoiler alert: It’s possible to get fit without a gym membership and have a blast doing it!
Benefits Of Regular Physical Movement
Here are just a few of the incredible benefits that regular exercise offer that can improve nearly every aspect of your health from the inside out:
- Combats stress, promotes better sleep and activates the immune system
- Aerobic exercise benefits cardiovascular health
- Builds and maintains strong muscles and bones
- Increases energy levels
- Slow and mindful practices like yoga and tai chi help to decrease blood pressure, body mass index and cholesterol
- Supports brain health and cognition to balance our stress responses
- Reduces inflammatory disorders like lupus
- Improves our mood and decreases feelings of anxiety, depression and stress
- Helps with weight loss
If you don’t enjoy the activity, chances are you won’t stick with it. You’ll come up with excuses to quit.
There’s no need for a 6-week intense exercise regime or forcing yourself to eat foods you don’t like. The key is finding something you genuinely enjoy doing. Just because you won’t find me in the gym doesn’t mean I don’t benefit from regular physical movement.
I’ve learned to incorporate fun ways of moving my body, working my muscles, and strengthening my body-mind connection. It’s all about discovering what brings you joy and improves your overall well-being.
Here Are 6 Ways To Include Movement To Your Day:
1. Walking
Walking is a fantastic way to stay fit without hitting the gym. As a Healthy Goddess, I take full advantage of this simple exercise to not only get my heart pumping and improve my cardiovascular health but also connect with the world around me. Whether I’m strolling through my neighborhood, accompanied by inspiring audio books or energizing tunes, or even following a walk-to-get-fit audio workout, I am constantly invigorated by the fresh air and the many benefits of this activity. And if you prefer some company, teaming up with a friend or joining a local walking group adds a fun and social element to your fitness routine. Let’s lace up those sneakers and embark on an incredible journey towards health and happiness.
2. Online Fitness Videos
Transform your fitness routine from drab to fab! Say goodbye to crowded gyms and hello to the convenience of your own home. Embrace the freedom of working out in privacy, without the need to drive or exercise with people who don’t inspire you. No more being stuck with a trainer or routine that doesn’t ignite your passion.
After your empowering sweat session, simply hop in the shower and be ready to conquer the day in just minutes. Experience the ultimate comfort and motivation as you become the goddess of your own fitness kingdom.
With thousands of free exercise videos available on YouTube, the options are endless. Whether I want a quick 5-minute abs workout or a mix of different routines based on my mood, I’m in control.
When I feel a bit tired, I opt for a shorter, less intense routine. But on those days when I want to sweat it out, I go for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routine that gets me all pumped up. These workouts elevate my heart rate, kickstart my metabolism, and continue burning calories throughout the day. Not only do they help me unwind and clear my mind, but they also have the added benefit of being accessible from anywhere with no monthly fees.
Check out some of the free online fitness sites that I highly recommend for your fitness journey: Lucy Wyndham-Read, PopSugar Fitness, Heather Robertson and 7 Minute Tabata. Join me on the path to becoming a Healthy Goddess.
3. Bike Riding
Discover the joy of biking and unlock a world of possibilities!
As a mom, cycling quickly became my go-to mode of transportation for trips to the splash pad, library, school, and shops. Embracing the trails and embarking on magical evening bike rides with my family has been a game-changer.
Believe me when I say that a 20-minute bike ride can fly by in the blink of an eye. The beauty of it all? No agenda required. Just hop on your bike and let the exhilaration take over.
4. Jumping On The Trampoline
Jumping on the trampoline is an incredible way to elevate your heart rate and boost your fitness levels. And the best part? It’s gentle on your joints! You don’t need a huge trampoline to get started – mini-trampolines are affordable and easy to store. Whether it’s a quick bounce during your lunch break or while dinner is cooking, you can easily incorporate rebound exercise into your daily routine. Embrace the joy of jumping and take your fitness to new heights on the trampoline!
5. Skipping Rope
Rediscover the joy of skipping rope, just like I did when I found my old one in the garage one summer.
As a child, I could do this activity all afternoon, and now, even just 5 minutes of continuous skipping makes me feel alive. I’ve turned it into a fun challenge with my daughter, aiming to skip together until we reach 100.
No matter how slow you go, skipping rope provides an intense workout that will leave you feeling empowered.
6. Yoga And Meditation
Looking to find inner peace and improve your overall well-being? Look no further than the power of yoga and meditation. These gentle yet invigorating practices have become my go-to after a long, stressful day.
I make it a point to start my mornings with a 5-minute meditation session, setting the tone for a positive and productive day ahead. And before bed, I indulge in a soothing meditation to relax my mind and ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Through the practice of yoga, not only am I able to maintain flexibility, but I also notice a significant improvement in my posture. For those looking to embark on this transformative journey, I highly recommend checking out “Yoga with Adriene.” Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Remember that true health involves a combination of clean eating and daily movement to cleanse your body and soothe the mind. Discover what works best for you and embrace the joy it brings.