HOW TO GET FIT WITHOUT A GYM MEMBERSHIP

Is it possible to get fit without a gym membership? It seems like every week there’s a new exercise program that’s blowing up on Instagram. As tempting as all of these programs are, I have news for you. Exercise is free! 

You don’t need a gym membership or the latest fitness program to get in shape. Here are my top tips on how to get fit without a gym membership!

1.WALK OR RUN OUTSIDE

According to FitBit, “completing an extra 10,000 steps each day typically burns about 2000 to 3500 extra calories each week. One pound of body fat equals 3500 calories, so depending on your weight and workout intensity, you could lose about one pound per week simply by completing an extra 10,000 steps each day.”

2. WALK LAPS AROUND YOUR LOCAL MALL IF THE WEATHER IS BAD

If you aren’t able to get outside depending on the weather, drive to your local mall and do some laps! There are many health benefits to walking. According to Healthline, walking can help you burn calories, strengthen your heart, help lower your blood sugar, ease joint pain, boost immune function, boost energy, improve your mood, extend your life, tone your legs and help you think creatively! 

3. STREAM WORKOUT VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

There are so many free workout videos on YouTube! Everything from HIIT to yoga is available with a few clicks. Popsugar Fitness, Tone It Up, Yoga With Adriene and Blogilates are some popular channels. 

4. CHECK OUT WORKOUT DVDS FROM YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

No wifi? No problem! Rather than streaming workouts from YouTube, head to your local library and check out their selection of workout DVDs. If you’re looking for a certain workout, you can always make a request to get exactly what you are looking for.

5. RUN, SPRINT OR WALK AT YOUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE TRACK

If you need to switch it up, head to your local high school or college track! A quick Google search will tell you if the local tracks are open to the public. Running, sprinting or walking on a track also might be a great choice if you have any joint pain.

6. TAKE THE STAIRS

Choose stairs over the elevator every time! Stairs are a simple way to keep your body moving and increase your cardiovascular health. Plus, you avoid the elevator music and awkward elevator conversation. Win-win in my book! 

7. TAKE YOUR DOG (OR A FRIEND’S DOG!) FOR A WALK AND PLAY OUTSIDE

If you have a dog, get outside and get walking! No dog? Make some extra money by walking dogs in your neighborhood or help a friend out with their dog! 

8. DANCE IN YOUR KITCHEN

Exercise doesn’t have to be structured. Turn on your favorite music and dance in your kitchen! The important thing is to get your body moving and increase your heart rate. 

9. SEARCH FOR LOCAL MEETUP GROUPS AND FIND AN ACTIVITY THAT KEEPS YOU MOVING AND SOUNDS FUN! 

Have you heard of Meetup? You can find groups to join- no matter what your interests may be. Meetup is great for meeting new people if you happen to move, or simply a way to make new friends! This website can also be used to find ways to be active in a group setting. In my area there are walking groups, yoga groups and pretty much everything you can imagine! What’s better than meeting new friends and getting fit at the same time?! 

10. LOOK FOR FREE FITNESS EVENTS IN YOUR AREA

Keep your eyes peeled for free fitness events! Is there a new studio opening in your area? Often times, new studios will host a free day or week to check out the space and class style. Search community pages and boards- is there free yoga offered every weekend in a local park? Think outside of the box!

11. GO FOR A HIKE

Not only is hiking great for your cardiovascular health, hiking is also a great stress reliever! According to Harvard Health, “yet another benefit of hiking may be the restorative and stress-relieving powers of being outside in nature. A number of small studies hint that spending time in green space — nature preserves, woodlands, and even urban parks — may ease people’s stress levels. Giving the growing consensus that stress contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease risk, anything you can do to mitigate stress is likely helpful.”

12. GO ON A BIKE RIDE. DON’T HAVE A BIKE? SEE IF YOU CAN BORROW ONE FROM A FRIEND! 

According to Better Health, biking is low impact, a good muscle workout for all major muscle groups, does not require high levels of physical skills and is great for strength and stamina. 

13. VOLUNTEER TO COACH A YOUTH SPORT

If you have time to spare and are looking to increase your activity level, considering volunteering to coach a youth sport! Volunteers are always needed and being active with kiddos is fun! Talk to parents in your community or do a quick Google search to see how you can lend a hand and be more active at the same time! 

The key thing is to get your body moving. You don’t need a gym membership to move! You CAN get fit without a gym membership! What are your favorite free ways to stay active? Leave your top tips below!

Original article published on my blog: https://www.macymichelle.com/get-fit-without-gym/