How-To Tuesday: Staying Fit Without a Gym Membership

Yes, it is possible…

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This post is dedicated to all of you out there who work 3 jobs, have no time for yourself, and can’t figure out what to do to keep yourself active. You’re frustrated, right?

Who has the money for all those fancy gyms that are practically their own little worlds?

Do some research! Some gym memberships run as high as $100/month.
Um, no thanks. I’d rather save that money getting a pedicure or something every month.

Belonging to a fitness club or gym is definitely convenient, but it’s not a prerequisite for getting fit. Just because you’re “going to the gym” doesn’t mean you’re necessarily “getting in shape”.

Here are my 5 reasons why you can still get in great shape in your living room:

  1. There are a lot of free workouts online.
    What type of workout would you like to do at the gym? Whether you’d choose yoga, resistance training, Pilates, dance, cardio, or core training, you can find a gym replacement by doing a quick search online.
    My recommendations are: FitnessBlender, Popsugar Fitness, Blogilates, or DoYogaWithMe. These workouts range in length from just a few minutes up to full-length class and usually don’t require equipment.
  2. Walking is the most underrated exercise.
    For those of you who hate running! Seriously, aim for about 10,000 steps per day. Those step-trackers don’t cost a lot of money either! You don’t need a Fitbit, trust me. 10,000 steps will burn a range of 400-600 calories depending on your weight, which happens to be about the same amount someone would burn during a spin class. Walking also helps clear your mind, relieve stress, and keeps your neurons pumping.
  3. It’s easy to build exercise into your day.
    People think that exercise doesn’t count unless it’s an hour-long workout that leaves them drenched in sweat. This is actually not the case. Short bursts of exercise are actually more effective than long, drawn-out workouts when it comes to burning fat and increasing fitness levels.
    That’s why it can be so effective to build quick workouts right into your daily schedule. Have a coffee break at work? Go for a long walk. Going to the grocery store? Park farther away so you can not only walk a little more, but avoid all those people who don’t know how to drive/park. Take the stairs instead of the elevator! It’s easier than you think. Little things like this add up over the course of your day. Once you have a handful of movements to choose from, finding time to do them becomes more attainable.
  4.  It’s summer — get outside!
    Who wants to be trapped in a sweaty gym when the weather is warm and the sun is shining? There are so many ways to get fit outside. You can join a summer sports league, take your bike for a ride, or go swimming! Soak up that Vitamin D!
  5. You don’t need a gym to eat healthy.
    Most people exercise because they want to feel better about themselves, which often includes losing weight and looking their best. While exercise is certainly a big part of the fitness equation, eating a well-balanced and healthy diet is even more important. Think about the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of your results are going to come from what you eat, while the remaining 20 percent come from the amount and type of exercise you do.

Exercise, whether in the gym or anywhere else, is a fantastic way to stay active, build muscle, and keep your body in shape. However, don’t go insane! Take mental breaks when you need them, and exercise because you WANT to. Find something that works for you, and you’ll look forward to it!:) This is your life!

BE WELL.

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