How can I exercise if I don’t like the gym?
If you're not that person, there are many alternatives to the gym. The important thing is to ask yourself what you really like to do. Choosing a way to stay active that brings pleasure to your life is the best way to stay accountable.
Do you like to walk, swim, ride a bike, dance?
Are you happiest when surrounded by others or do you need time to rejuvenate on your own. Are you a morning person, or do you come alive at night? Do you like to have a predictable set schedule or does that bore you and leave you feeling restricted? Being able to identify these behaviors will start to reveal what kinds of activities may be best for you.
If you're social and need structure to keep you on track, then taking a group class or joining a walking group that meets at the same each week may be just the thing to keep you motivated.
If you're practical and task oriented you may find adding movement into your daily routine by using a hand mower to mow your lawn or putting on loud music and dancing as you clean your house leaves you feeling more accomplished than taking an hour out of your day specifically for exercise.
Swimming is a wonderful solitary exercise you can do if you need quiet to get you back on track. You'll be restoring your energy and getting a terrific workout at the same time.
The most important thing is that you move, and you don't need a set place to do that!
Not everyone can be a size 2, but everyone has a natural state of wellness where they feel good and their body is strong and healthy. Be flexible, exercise doesn’t have to be a curse word, but a form of self-care and enjoyment. Be willing to allow your regime to change with time and your needs.
I personally am shifting from extreme exercise to more gentle yoga and martial art forms. I'm finding that for myself and my clients when the focus changes from seeking external perfection to health and balance, amazing results follow.
You can stay fit and firm without hitting the gym and, best of all, you only need five minutes a day. Find out the secret by watching this video featuring fitness expert and author Jorge Cruise.
Think "moving meditation" rather than exercise. If exercise feels like another "should" for you, consider dropping the concept of exercise and just move. Select a moving meditation that would be fun for you, at a time that works for you. For example, take your dog for a walk after work, before dinner, and walk as long as you both feel like walking. No rules, no "shoulds", just a pleasant, loving time to enjoy being with your best friend outside.
Don’t like the gym, don’t worry! Use the list below for ways to stay active without every stepping foot inside a fitness center!
- Walk, jog, run, or bike. Being outside is one of the best ways to stay active and enjoy all that nature has to offer
- Go for a hike. Find a local trail, bring a camera and nature book, and enjoy!
- Purchase home equipment. Equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, stability balls, bosu balls, foam rollers. Most of this equipment is under $100 and the possibilities and exercises are endless!
- Purchase DVD’s. Some of the best forms of exercise come in DVDs. These will help keep you motivated and push you towards your goals!
Finding ways to stay active does not require much more than a pair of shoes and appropriate attire. However, be sure to stay active! If you are not a fan of a fitness center then find something that will give you that incentive to push yourself on a daily basis.
There are many ways to exercise if you don’t like going to the gym. In fact, you can get a great workout exercising outside by walking, running, biking, hiking, gardening, etc. You can create a very effective workout routine inside your home by creating your own mini-circuits in your living room. You can do push-ups (even against the wall if you are a beginner), body weight squats, lunges or by using a jump rope for cardio. You can purchase workout DVD’s to perform at home (there are great ones out there), or even turn on your favorite music and dance. The key is finding something you enjoy. Have fun with it!
Finding activities you enjoy doing is critical. You are much more likely to continue exercising if you enjoy doing so. If you're a dog lover like me, take your dog for daily walks. You can also try to play fetch, frisbee, and soccer with your dog. I love doing these activities because I always end up laughing really hard which puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day!
If you have exercise equipment at home (dumbbells, resistance bands, or a stability ball), take them out of the closet and create your own little resistance training program or bootcamp to do two to three times a week.
For your daily cardio, choose an activity that will raise your heart rate and increase you breathing rate. This could really include anything from cleaning your house, working in your garden, dancing around the house, playing with your children, jump roping, cycling, taking the stairs, going for a brisk walk around the neighborhood with your next door neighbor, or walk down to the local park for a quick outdoor exercise session.
The opportunities for exercise outside the gym are endless. So, if you're not a gym rat that's ok! You can still get yourself healthy and in great shape.
You don't need an expensive gym membership to get in shape. All you need is a desire to make a change and perhaps a few pieces of equipment. If the gym is not your thing than you can create an affordable home fitness area where ever you have space. You can turn your spare bedroom or garage into your own private gym, and workout on your terms. Resistance bands, dumbbells, jump ropes, stability balls, etc. are relatively inexpensive, and will give you quite a few options when it comes to exercise selection. Check for sales at local sporting goods stores or try Craigslist for cheap used equipment.
No equipment? No problem. You can get a good workout using just your body weight. Squats, lunges, push ups, dips, crunches, and many others require nothing more than your living room floor.
A fitness professional can help design a workout program based on your unique situation and availability of equipment. Just because you don't like the gym, doesn't mean you can't get a good workout. Where there's a will, there's a way.
A great way to get exercise is to do ballroom dancing. It is fun and you do not even realize that it is exercise. Learning new steps is also a great way to exercise your mind as well.
If you are just getting started with exercise, read the classified advertisements for used exercise equipment such as electronic treadmills or stationary bicycles. Online auctions usually have these for sale and at greatly reduced prices. Some basics you might consider include:
- Rubber mats, for doing stretches, and yoga, postures.
- Lightweights
- Workout gloves to protect your hands from holding the weights
- Exercise bands or tubes to use with isometric exercises
- Instructional videos in beginning yoga, tai chi, and stretching exercises
- A fit ball, which are used by physical therapists for stretching the lower back and doing abdominal work (be sure to ask your physical therapist for proper instructions)
- A full-length mirror to make sure your posture is correct during your stretching and other exercises
Continue Learning about Staying Motivated For Fitness & Exercise
Staying Motivated For Fitness & Exercise
Motivation is key to sticking with an exercise routine. Set goals, find a workout partner, change up your routine or learn a new sport. Your exercise plan doesn’t have to remain the same, so by adding variety and a support s...
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.