Looking to stay active but don’t fancy going to the gym? The gym is not for everyone, plus memberships can be pricey, but you should know that there are lots of other ways you can maintain an active lifestyle and achieve your fitness goals without going to the gym a few times a week. Keep reading to find out a few of the best alternative ways to stay in shape.
Walking & Hiking for Fitness
Walking is one of the simplest ways to stay active, as it requires no equipment and can be adapted to any schedule. It is also a low-impact form of exercise, which should prevent injury and makes it a great option for those who struggle with activities like running. You can explore local parks, nature reserves, or even urban routes to make walking a regular habit.
Home-Based Bodyweight Workouts
You do not necessarily have to pump iron to build and maintain muscle. You can use your own bodyweight for activities like squats, push-ups, and lunges, which can be an effective way to build strength and endurance at home and without having to invest in any equipment.
Gardening as a Physical Activity
Gardening offers a surprising amount of physical activity, including bending, digging, and lifting. These can all contribute to fitness and improve your mental well-being through time in nature. Polytunnel covers can extend the gardening season, which allows for continuous physical activity outdoors regardless of the weather. Caring for plants and maintaining a polytunnel can add regular movement to your routine.
Cycling Around Your Local Area
Cycling is commonly noted as a low-impact exercise, which makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It can be a practical way to commute or a fun weekend activity, exploring the countryside or city streets – it is also cheaper and better for the environment than driving!
At-Home Dance Sessions
Dancing boosts cardiovascular health and improves mood while being enjoyable and adaptable to all skill levels. It is not hard to find online videos to follow along to, or you can simply dance to your favourite music at home!
Playing Active Games with Family or Friends
Games like frisbee, badminton, or football in your garden or local park combine special time with physical activity. This will encourage movement without it feeling like exercise, plus you can combine your weekly social plans with exercise, which is a great use of time and can make time with friends fun and engaging.
You do not necessarily have to have a gym membership to get in shape and achieve your fitness goals. This post should give you a few ideas for other ways to hit your recommended weekly exercise target, and you might find many of these enrich your life in other ways and are much more fun and engaging than running on a treadmill or pumping iron in the gym.