Ways To Exercise That Don’t Involve The Gym

We are well and truly into the season of Spring, with Summer just poking its nose around the corner.

Unfortunately, that means we’re running out of time to put those New Year’s resolutions to the test!

The evenings are getting brighter, the days longer, and we can feel that sunny, serotonin buzz return! Spending our mornings and nights in a dark, sweaty gym just doesn’t tick the box for everyone.

 

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We don’t know about you, but after a long winter of hibernation, all we want to do is be around people and stay connected with the outdoors!

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top ways to stay fit and active that don’t involve the stench of a gym or a sweaty barbell.

So, here’s our five ways to exercise without the gym!

Pilates

Let’s start off strong with a personal favourite. Pilates has the power to completely shift your whole mindset!

Not only does this form of exercise improve flexibility and body strength, specifically of the core, hips, glutes and lower back, but it also has this magical ability to reduce mental strain.

Pilates is the answer to everything. Poor posture? Pilates. Back pain? Pilates. Want abs? Pilates. Low in energy? Pilates. Stressed? Pilates!

@camisophiaaaa

The pilates workout to lift your glutes and give you that hourglass look 💕 #hourglassworkout #glutesworkout #pilates

♬ original sound – ☆

Skipping

Why not swap the weights for a skipping rope? Most people overlook skipping as a cardiovascular exercise when in fact, it’s one of the most affordable and effective ways of working out.

This high-intensity, full-body workout can improve heart health, and train your cardiovascular system. It also involves the use of multiple body parts at once, and so according to Virgin Active trainer, Dorota Maslewska, is said to “improve coordination, stamina and focus.”

Looks like we’ll be skipping the gym and jumping ropes instead!

@sjfiit

Skipping/jumprope + calories deficit = weight loss #jumprope #skippingchallenge #weightloss #gymtoks #fyp

♬ PRETTY BOY FLOW – Sturdyyoungin

 

Dancing

JLO said it first…dance the night away, live your life and stay young on the floor! Dancing is the perfect way to stay fit for everyone and anyone, no matter your shape, size or age.

Besides being an absolutely freeing and exhilarating way to move your body, it can help tone your muscles and increase your body’s strength and endurance. It’s sociable and fun and you don’t even have to be good at it.

If the idea of dancing scares you, then why not join a dance class like Zumba or ballroom? And if that’s too much too soon or you’ve got two left feet, then buy Just Dance for the Wii and work out from your living room.

Dancing is what to do!

@growwithjo

fun dance workouts that actually give you results and you don’t feel silly doing them 😍 #dance #danceworkout #weightloss #growwithjoresults #homeworkout #fyp

♬ original sound – growwithjo

 

 

Walking

10k steps a day might keep the doctor away! What’s better than walking away your problems… or walking off all the alcohol from the night before? That fresh air will have you feeling like a brand-new person.

There is nothing a 30-minute walk can’t fix. It’s the go-to hangover cure, and it can reduce your risk of developing health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and osteoporosis… all this with a stunning backdrop of nature’s finest.

Now I’m not talking about a casual stroll… when I say a walk I mean there has got to be a spring in your step. A little enthusiasm never hurt anyone!

@knaakwell

Walking is so important and this is why I preach about hitting steps so much!! It really has so many benefits. #10ksteps #getyoursteps #weightlossmotivation #weightlossadvice #onlinefitsscoach #foryou #fyp

♬ original sound – LARK

 

Yoga

Whether it be hot yoga, a chill flow at home, or an energetic session in front of the sun rise, yoga is powerful! It’s a cardiovascular method of fitness where the mind and body align.

The ancient practice originated over 5000 years ago in Northern India. It was developed to form the holy trinity of mindfulness by combining exercise, breathing and meditation.

This spiritualistic way of moving can lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, enable proper posture, and bring an overwhelming sense of peace over your body and mentality.

Yoga for the win!

@yogawithmaura

A beautiful sunrise event! Thank you all for joining. @RootsHealthFood #yoga #sunrise

♬ original sound – Maura Rath

 

Sex

This one is self-explanatory!

Words by Shauna Whyte

Tags:

• dancing
• exercise
• Pilates
• Sex
• skipping
• walking
• yoga