8 Cheap and Fun Ways to Get Fit Without Going to the Gym

Why force yourself to go to the gym when the world around you can be your gym?

Are you someone who wants to get fit but doesn't have either the time or money to regularly go the gym? Or do you have a gym membership but rarely use it? Or is it that you secretly hate the gym but force yourself to go anyway? The strong smell of sweat, people using the weird machines expertly that you have no idea how to use, the mere fact people will see you exercising or (dare I say) sweating. What could be worse?! There are many reasons you may not want to go to the gym but what if I said you don't have to in order to tone up and shift the pounds? This article will share various other ways you can get fit, some from the comfort of your own home.

I have to admit, I get nervous and quite self-conscious when I go to a gym because I am not very fit (although I think three minutes on a rowing machine is fine in the summer!). For that reason (and because I am lazy) I like to do most of my exercising indoors with me, myself, and I. There are no judgements and I don't feel any kind of pressure. I enjoy it more. This leads to the most important thing with exercising, finding a method you enjoy. I thought I hated exercising until I discovered Zumba. Now I focus on dance workouts because I enjoy dancing; I don't think of it as exercise.

Enjoyment is important to making something become a habit, but motivation is key. Find the reason you want to get fit and keep it at the forefront of your mind. Do you want to tone up or lose weight? Is it for aesthetic reasons? Do you want to improve your health? Whatever your reason, it is important to you and will guide you to your end goal if you want it enough. Don’t give up because it’s hard and don’t ever feel threatened by other people. Everyone starts from somewhere. There once was an aspiring bodybuilder who could only spend three minutes on a rowing machine before dying of exhaustion, but now she’s able to easily spend thirty minutes on it before starting her actual workout. With determination and resilience, she made it, and you will too!

It is important to note that not everyone will benefit from the same exercises. Height, weight, and intensity all contribute to the number of calories lost and fat burnt. Some people may find that dancing works best for them whereas others may find brisk walking does more for them. Find what works for you, do not worry about anyone else.

So, what are some of the different methods of getting fit without going to a gym?

1 – Apps

Apps are not really a method but they are one of the best things to have happened to this world. You can get an app for almost anything, including exercise. There are several HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and LIIT (Low Intensity Interval Training) specific apps. Some focus on specific body parts whilst others target it all. There are also aerobics, bootcamp, dance, yoga, and running apps. There is an app for everyone and every type of exercise!

The thing to note with apps is they are not always free or compatible with your device. Many apps are free to download but you can only access certain features without paying for a subscription. This begs the question, is it better than a gym membership if you still have to pay? That's up to you to decide, but to contrast, many apps are 100 percent free and are like virtual classes with trainers who show you each move whilst encouraging you every step of the way. You can do the workout wherever you want but still receive the same quality of the workout.

2 – Sports

If you enjoy sports, you should consider joining a sports club or encourage a few of your friends to regularly play with you and form your own team. It's cheap, fun and there are so many to choose from, what's not to like? It burns fat, tones your body and can encourage social interactions. Teamwork is sought after when it comes to employment, so playing a team sport may help in more ways than one.

All sports get you fit, including slower paced ones such as golf, but they all help in different ways. Swimming is argued to be the best sport for a full body workout; it builds endurance whilst you fight against the water pressure and burns the most calories. Football is physically very demanding and strengthens your muscles. Taekwondo develops discipline and trains both your mind and body. All three of these sports, plus many others, can burn between 400 and 1000 calories in an hour.

3 – Boxing

Boxing is a full-on cardio and strength workout which tones every muscle. It strengthens your body and improves your balance and co-ordination. It is also good for relieving stress and letting out your anger. Most people have someone they would love to punch, so why not live out your fantasy on a punching bag? (Kidding! I do not advocate violent thoughts.) You can burn between 400 and 800 calories in an hour.

Check out the full article for all 8 cheap and fun fitness alternatives on my Vocal page: https://longevity.media/8-cheap-and-fun-ways-to-get-fit-without-going-to-the-gym

TTFN

Shanice x