Bypass the Gym, But Still Get Fit
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The gym isn’t for everyone, it’s not an excuse but a fact of life. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for those gym phobic few to exercise and get fit without the expensive gym membership that goes along with it.
From walking to more recreational activities, the more you do in life the fitter you will become. Without ever putting a toe inside a gym door!
Travel by Foot
Walking is the best way to get fit without ever stepping a foot in the gym. If you spend most of the day sitting at a desk - as many of the modern workforce does - then a simple walking routine can actually do you wonders. Even walking during your lunch can be the difference between fit and not!
However, for the best benefits, you should go on walks around your town or even on hikes to somewhere more scenic. The better your scenery, the less like exercise walking will feel!
For comfort, be sure to choose loose but fitting clothes such as mens distressed joggers. Never go for long walks or hikes in denim, as it can rub and be extremely uncomfortable over long periods of time. Breathable tops are also essential to ensure that sweat does not build up in your clothes as you are on the go. Without the right clothing walking for long distances can be extremely uncomfortable.
If you live life at a faster pace then feel free to run rather than walk. Just ensure you have a comfortable, shock-absorbent, pair of trainers to keep you running for longer.
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Cleaning to Fitness
A way to get annoying chores out of the way alongside achieving your perfect fitness? Sounds like an infomercial hoax, but is actually achievable. Focussing on intensive cleaning activities such as hoovering, ironing and dusting for the best results.
The act of cleaning alone is not meant to make you fit, obviously. But additional lunges as you clean can be the difference between fit and not. Dancing around as you go from room to room can also help burn calories. While ironing - with back straight and good posture - can burn as much as 150 calories per hour.
Simply adding a few extra steps to your cleaning routine can help burn more calories per day, so take the time to dance as you clean!
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Group Sports
Whether playing a spot of tennis with a friend or out and out joining a local sports team, doing an activity with other people is a great way to inject some fun into exercising. You won’t need to motivate yourself to go to the gym which is generally a lonely activity. Instead, you can enjoy the company of friends and get fit at the same time.
For the less sporty, there are plenty of opportunities for running clubs and the like in many areas. It’s just a case of deciding which you would like best and finding it in your area.
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Buy a Bike
Do you want to forgo the bus commute or the long car rides for a healthier option? But work is too far away to walk? Buying a bike can be the perfect solution, as it gives you a mode of transport that is both healthy for you and gets you to your destination in an efficient time. It can be great for toning your leg muscles and to help keep your heart healthy.
Not only can this be healthy for you, but it can also help you to cut down on transport costs! A one-off payment for a bike versus a daily cost for transport is much more cost effective after all.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Gardening
What’s better than being fit? Being fit because you created a beautiful garden space for you to enjoy a healthy barbecue - remember, fitness is half activity and half what you eat! Surprisingly, the heavy lifting and general movement involved in gardening can actually be very rewarding for your muscles.
A green thumb is not necessary for this endeavour, as there are plenty of plants that are easy to grow for the novice. Start with herbs such as mint and basil, or plants such as sunflowers and even an apple tree. Soon not only will you be fitter, but you will also have a garden wonderland to enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
And there you have it! The best ways to bypass the gym, but still get fit. Whether you’re a walker, a homebody or enjoy a touch of nature in your life there are plenty of ways to incorporate fitness into your everyday routine. Work at it on a daily basis and fitness is an achievable goal for everyone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zack Halliwell is an enthusiastic office administrator by day and a gym goer by night - still in search of the perfect fitness routine. You can follow him on Twitter.
Read more: How to Stay Fit During the Winter Months
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