If you’ve decided to stop going to the gym, possibly to save money or to protect yourself while the pandemic is still going on, there are other ways to get your sweat on.
Here we will discuss five innovative ways to stay fit and healthy without having to pack your gym bag ever again. You’re certainly not alone in quitting the gym for alternative fitness.
So many of us are coming out the other side of lockdowns and questioning the necessity for a gym membership.
Read on to uncover more!
Declining Gym Memberships in 2021
Yahoo Sport has reported findings from a study that quizzed Americans about their gym membership plans after COVID restrictions closed their gym.
The results suggest that two in three Americans believe they don’t need a gym membership to stay fit.
The pandemic forced these people to exercise in alternative ways from home, and this has given them reasons to cancel their gym memberships.
The respondents of the study reported enjoying the flexibility of choosing when to work out at home, rather than being restricted by opening times and routines.
Moreover, nearly 50% of respondents stated they felt more confident to try new exercises in the privacy of their homes.
So, how can you exercise without going to the gym?
Creative Ways to Exercise without a Gym Membership
1. Go Exploring!
Just get out there! Exercise is simply moving your body and working up a little bit of a sweat. It can be anything from a jog or a hike to a walk around the park.
Go outdoors and explore your local nature in whatever way you feel comfortable.
Doing this every day rather than sitting in front of the TV is not only a form of exercise, but it will be great for your mental health too.
2. Take up Gardening
Gardening is another remarkable way to enjoy nature and complete a good workout.
In fact, gardening encompasses three pillars of fitness, namely strength when carrying heavy items, endurance due to lots of movement, and flexibility when stretching for different plants and materials.
It’s also an activity that families can do together across generations.
You can garden with elderly relatives or with younger kids, which also comes with educational benefits.
If you are a dedicated gardener or just thinking about getting involved, you can find discounted gardening supplies on Aldi weekly ads.
Right now, they’re offering low prices on a potting mix, mulch, and flowers. There’s no excuse not to start today!
3. Ditch the Car
Do you drive to more places than necessary? Start leaving the car on the driveway and start walking or cycling to more local places.
Not only will this drive you to exercise and stay healthy, but it will also save you on gas money and do a little for the environment.
The money you save on gas can be used to buy a bike that will certainly keep those quads toned and your cardiovascular system worked.
If you don’t use a car, you can do something similar by getting off a stop early on public transport and walk the rest of the way, or start taking the stairs instead of the lift every day.
4. Home Maintenance and Personal Projects
Home maintenance and completing personal projects is a fantastic way to do exercise at home and keep your mind stimulated.
This could be something as easy as completing those cleaning tasks you put off a few times before getting round to them. Yes, we’re talking about scrubbing the floors and the bath.
Or it could be making something unique for your home, such as a piece of furniture or upcycling something you already own to give it a second life.
Using tools in this way can easily work those muscles and make you sweat – and it’ll probably help you sleep better!
5. Create a Home Gym
Did you think we’d forgotten? Or course, you could exercise at home by simply creating a home gym.
You can now buy residential equipment that can be folded away easily so it doesn’t take up space in your home.
There are various options out there, from bands, weights, kettlebells and cardiovascular machines.
Or you could always dig out your running sneakers and hit the road!
