10 Ways To Get Fit WITHOUT Hitting The Gym!
Every year I start out with the best of intentions to exercise regularly. I join the gym, buy some cute outfits and create a killer playlist to sing along too. But as the week’s go on, my momentum starts to fizzle out. Getting to the gym can be a time-consuming event in itself, especially if you have kids, and I’m much too busy to get there. Soon all hopes of exercising regularly are dumped in the too-hard basket and I’m left paying for the gym I never use.
Who else can relate this? We all know we should be exercising more for our health and wellbeing. Regular exercise can reduce our risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and depression. It also helps us control our weight. But sometimes it’s easier said than done, right?
Whilst joining (and going to) a gym can be a great way to get fit, it’s certainly not the only way to increase your physical exercise. Here’s 10 simple ways you can get moving without hitting the gym!
Get Fit Tip 1 – Go For A Walk
Walk whenever and whenever you can – to the park, on your lunch break, or even organise a walking meeting. Meet your friend for a walk instead of a coffee. Park away from the entrance of shopping centres and get your walk in there. Be creative – the steps all add up!
Get Fit Tip 2 – Dance
YouTube has an array of free dance fitness videos you can do in the comfort of your own home. Throw one on and have some fun. You’ll be sweating in no time!
Dancing not your thing? Try searching for yoga or even a stretching video!
Get Fit Tip 3 – Go For A Ride
You don’t need to don a pair of lycra pants and become the next Cadel Evans to get the benefits of riding a bike. Even just going for a ride around the street with the kids or to the shop for some milk can get your heartrate pumping.
Get Fit Tip 4 – Play Ball
Most of us have at least one type of ball lying around our house. Grab it and the kids or a friend and get kicking, throwing or catching around the backyard or the park. Bonus is you get to spend some quality time together too!
Don’t have a ball? Play tiggy instead!
Get Fit Tip 5 – Go For A Swim
If you are lucky enough to live near the ocean or have your own pool, this is a little easier. But if you don’t – clock up some laps at the local pool!
Get Fit Tip 6 – Take The Stairs
Avoid lifts and escalators wherever possible and take the stairs instead! You can also try climbing up and down a set of stairs as a quick cardio blast. Have a single storey house? Find an outdoor staircase nearby at a park, shopping centre or ever office block!
Get Fit Tip 7 – Clean Your House
This one is definitely killing two birds with one stone! Blast your favourite tunes and get cleaning. You should feel the burn after sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and dusting!
Get Fit Tip 8 – Find A Free Class
Here’s a little secret – most local councils offer free fitness classes. Check their website or give them a call and find out what’s on around you. You may also want to contact your health fund, as some run free classes in major city centres. Or find out when your local parkrun meets – it’s completely free and you don’t have to run to take part.
Most fitness centres and studios also offer a free period so you can try before you buy! Why not take advantage and see if you can fit it in to your regular routine before committing to a membership?
Get Fit Tip 9 – Create Your Own Circuit
Put together a few different strength and cardio exercises that you can do without equipment and do them in a sequence at home or in the park. Do each exercise for 30 seconds all the way through, then rest and repeat two more times.
Not sure where to start? Try this circuit: jumping jacks, squats, lunges, sit ups, push ups, plank, triceps dips (off a chair or a bench) and mountain climbers.
If you have some dumbbells or a skipping rope at home you can easily incorporate these into your circuit too. Or just use some cans or bottles from the pantry as weights!
Get Fit Tip 10 – Mow The Lawn
Mowing or gardening can be another great way to get some incidental exercise whilst ticking another chore off the list.
Get Fit Without The Gym? Get On It!
Getting fit doesn’t have to be a time consuming or a costly experience. Try a few (or all) of these tips and you’ll be on your way to achieving that exercise goal in no time!
