There are many ways to get fit without having to set foot in a gym. If you dread going to the gym, many of these workouts will give you the same physical benefits and allow you greater freedom to create your own routine. Here are some of the best ways to get fit while avoiding the gym.
Take a Hike
Going for a hike will give you the chance to burn some calories while enjoying the great outdoors. This activity is also great for strengthening your leg muscles and increasing your endurance. There are likely walking trails and wilderness areas near you that are ideal for hiking. Just be sure to stay hydrated, wear enough sunscreen and insect repellent, and bring a mobile phone to call for help if you run into trouble during your hike.
Just Dance
Dancing combines the best aspects of fitness and fun and can be done with or without a partner. You likely will forget that you’re even exercising because of all the fun that you’ll be having while dancing. Tango, ballroom and salsa are just a few of the popular dance forms that you can try. If you want to partake in aerobic dance, Cosmopolitan states that this activity can burn upwards of 443 calories per hour.
Run Away
Even the simple act of running can serve as a great fitness alternative to joining a gym. For the best workouts, try to find an area where you can run up and down hills along with flat sections. One of the best ways to stay motivated enough to run regularly is to find a running buddy or join a group. You can also inspire yourself to run more often by training for a 5K race or marathon.
Purchase Your Own Workout Equipment
Creating your own gym at home is easy with the right workout equipment. According to wikiHow, you should purchase items like dumbbells, stability balls and yoga mats for your home gym. You might also want to invest in more sophisticated home gym equipment that lets you perform a variety of workouts on a single apparatus.
Go for a Swim
Swimming is ideal if you have bone or joint problems and can save your feet from excessive pounding. Finding a public pool or waterpark near you should be easy. You can learn all the basic strokes along with some useful water safety tips by signing up for a class. You can also try taking a water aerobics class for a more unique workout. If you want to have your own pool built but are wondering, “Where are pool builders near me?” then you can look for local companies that offer this service.
Skate to Your Heart’s Content
In addition to being one of the best cardiovascular workouts, skating is easier on the bones and joints than running. Whether you want to try roller, inline or ice skating, there are several options. Skateboarding also provides certain health benefits. You can find skating rinks near you that have public sessions or go skating around your neighborhood. According to HealthFitnessRevolution, skating is also a great cross-training exercise for other athletic activities.
Volunteer for Manual Labor
You can even reach your fitness goals by volunteering to help out with projects that require manual labor. Health.com suggests volunteering to build homes for Habitat for Humanity or picking up trash in a park or on the side of the freeway. All of the bending, lifting and other actions that you’ll need to do while performing each task can help strengthen and tone your muscles.
Signing up for a gym membership isn’t required to get fit. There are many other ways to exercise regularly and reach your fitness goals, and these workout alternatives can become part of your daily routine.
