Health and fitness are important, but not everyone can afford a monthly gym membership. While working out in your living room may not be your idea of exercise, just about anything can be used as a piece of exercise equipment. That couch you usually never leave on weekends can be used for planks. The walls can brace your back for squats. The list goes on and on.
If you’re thinking of starting an exercise program but don’t want the commitment and expense of the gym, you can create your own fitness plan with every day, normal activities. All it takes is some research and your imagination.
Easy Ways to Get Fit Without a Gym Membership
Are you looking for cardio, weights, or something else? Try these alternatives to the gym.
1.Go for a walk (or run) around the block. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get fit. Just put on some sneakers and off you go. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can even try jogging or running. If your area doesn’t have sidewalks and you don’t want to walk in the road, most local parks have walking trails. Your dog would love to join you.
2. Get a spin bike for your home. One of the most popular pieces of equipment at the gym is the spin bike. If you’re not familiar, a spin bike is set up similar to the traditional stationary bike, except the user is placed higher and burns more calories. The best spin bikes from the gym can easily be installed in any room in the comfort of your own home.
3. Join a local adult sports league. The best part about adult sports teams, aside from the exercise, is you don’t have to stress about being picked last. You get to pick the team you want to join. The YMCA is a great local resource for finding adult sports leagues in your area. Even bowling is an activity that many consider a great, and entertaining, form of exercise.
4. Take the stairs. There are subtle changes in your daily life that can help you get fit without even really trying. One of those changes it to take the stairs to your office or apartment instead of the elevator. You can even take the stairs for a few flights and then hop the elevator the rest of the way if you live or work in a high-rise building.
Get Those Endorphins Flowing
You might look at people sideways when they say they love running or they love to work out. There’s a strong chance that they really do. Physical activity releases endorphins that make our brains happy. Everyone knows that being fit is essential to staying healthy, but actually putting in the work is the hard part.
Gyms are a great place to get motivated, but they aren’t necessary for getting fit. A regular exercise routine that you’re committed to is the best way to stay fit and for many, exercising on their own is the best way to achieve that.
