Not everybody enjoys going to the gym every day to stay in shape. In fact, most people don’t enjoy the process. You have to pay lots of membership fees, fit it into your schedule, get all sweaty and shower again before you do anything else, learn all the equipment, and defend yourself against the crowds of people who inevitably join the gym right after New Year’s to accomplish their New Year’s Resolution of getting back in shape. Luckily, if going to the gym isn’t for you, there are plenty of other things you can do to stay in shape without hitting the gym.
Get Outside
Many people say that they feel bored when they’re at the gym, doing the same thing over and over again. If you can get outside, this can help combat boredom and give you the same - or maybe better - workout than walking on the treadmill for hours. Hiking, biking, or even running and walking outside are all really good activities for people who are looking to get in shape. Doing these activities outside can not only help fight boredom, but can also be better than using machines to do the same thing. Outside, you’ll find hills and natural terrain that machines can only poorly imitate.
Move a Little More
Add a little movement to your routine during the day. Get up and walk around at regular intervals. Sit on a sit-up ball instead of a chair, forcing your muscles to work while you’re at your desk. Take the stairs instead of an escalator or elevator. Park far away from your building and walk inside. Eat lunch while you’re working and take a brisk walk around your building during your lunch break. All of these things can really add up to a lot of calories burned during the day, and none of them require a trip to the gym.
Get a Dog
Getting a dog might be one of the best ways to add exercise to your routine, but you have to be sure you’re not just opening up the door and letting it go out into the yard unsupervised. Do things with your dog, like go for runs or long walks, hang out at the dog park, or just play with some toys. All of this will bring a new level of fitness to your daily routine. When a furry friend depends on you for walks and playtime, you have a great reason to get off the couch.
Clean Up
Cleaning can actually burn a lot more calories than you think. When you’re lifting things, moving furniture, and pushing that vacuum cleaner around, you’re doing exactly the same thing you would be doing at the gym while getting your house in that spotless state you’ve always wanted it to be in. While you’re working out, try focusing on certain muscles. Tighten your core while you do everything, or focus on your back and legs as you move furniture or your arms as you’re dusting. All of these activities will really add up, and you’ll be happy with the result of a super clean house.
Alternative Workouts
If walking, running, or even cleaning aren’t for you, you can try some alternative workouts. Yoga and Pilates are both great workouts that focus on muscle tone and fat burning. They work to focus your mind, which can be great before a big day. They are also really relaxing, which can help after a particularly stressful day. By doing these alternative workouts, you can really accomplish many things with one workout.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fitness-tips-for-people-who-dont-workout.html
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