Get a Great Workout Without the Gym
Posted in Fitness by Brendon Held
No Membership Required
Times are tough for most of us these days, so we understand that not everyone can afford expensive gym membership fees. However, exercising doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal, and being short on cash shouldn’t be an excuse for not getting enough daily exercise. With a little creativity and determination you should pretty much be able to exercise for free every day!
Here are a few exercises and activities you can do without the need for a gym, and most of these are arguably WAY more enjoyable than slugging it out with weights or machines… 🙂
Walking
This is of course one of the cheapest and easiest exercises to do. All you really need is a pair of walking or running shoes, which you probably have anyway. The only thing left to do is to put your shoes on and walk for 20 to 30 minutes each day.
Crunches
Crunches are a great way to strengthen your back and stomach muscles. Aim to do one to two sets a day of about 10 to 20 crunches in each set. As you improve you can either increase the number of sets, or increase the number of repetitions. We suggest first increasing your sets to 4 sets, then from there, increase the number of repetitions in each of the 4 sets.
Cycling
Cycling is a very enjoyable activity, and most people should have access to a bike. It’s one of the best forms of cardio exercise, and unlike running, it’s a low impact sport, which makes it gentle on your joints and muscles. Cycling improves and strengthens your muscles and your cardiovascular system, and is also great for fat burning, which helps speed up weight loss. Also, going for a bike ride is a great way to de-stress yourself after a hard day at work, and can be enjoyable by yourself or with a group of people.
Swimming
If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool at home, or you live near a lake or river, you can enjoy going for a swim all summer long. As with cycling, this is a low impact activity, and very good for your muscles and joints. It normally costs nothing unless you have to pay for parking at a beach area. Memberships at local swimming pools can be relatively inexpensive and a great way for a family to spend some quality time together.
Roller Blading
If you don’t have a bike, roller blading (or any form of skating) can be a great alternative to cycling. It has a lower barrier of entry, since roller blades don’t cost anywhere near what a new bike costs, yet they are just as much fun, and offer a great low impact cardio workout.
Playing Ball
Get outside with your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend or kids and play any type of ball game. This could be soccer, baseball, volleyball or just having a good old fashioned game of catch. This is a great way to have fun and should bring back memories of your childhood.
Dancing
What’s to stop you from putting on your favourite music and dancing? This is a great form of exercise that requires no new clothing or shoes. You can dance around the house with your kids or alone while doing housework.
Hiking
Grab your hiking boots and head out to a local hiking trail. This is a fantastic way to visit local scenic areas and get some fresh air while you’re at it. It also makes for a wonderful day out with the family. Why not pack a picnic lunch and really enjoy your outing.
So there you go, Â some inexpensive ideas on how to fit exercise into your lifestyle, and keep fit. You really have no more excuses left, it’s time to start exercising! Change your lifestyle today, and start living healthier for tomorrow!
Have you got more great ideas for inexpensive exercises and fun activities that will keep you healthy? Let us know in the comments below.
