How To Get Fit and In Shape Without A Gym Membership
There are those who love routine, and then there are those who love variety. A gym membership will keep you in shape, but doing the same exercises day after day, in the same place day after day, can get a little dull for some. Added to this, you have to pay for a gym membership – those that love variety can learn how to get fit and in shape while working out in many locations, and mixing up their workout routine every day.
There are a number of ideas that will get you fit, without losing a cent, and even some that can even earn you money, as long as you’re willing to do the work.
Let’s take a look at how to get fit and in shape, with variety, have fun and burn calories, all without stepping foot inside a gym!
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Workout tutorials on YouTube
We all know that the Internet is a great thing destined for social interactions, motivational videos, music, games and movies, but why not use it as a part of our workout as well?
Many trainers post videos of themselves explaining in detailed steps how to get 10 minutes of exercise per day without leaving your house. Instead of searching for the latest movie trailer, go and find the best workout for you!
Workout Tutorial: 8 Muscle Building Exercises for Beginners
Workout Tutorial: 32 Minute Home Cardio Workout with No Equipment – Calorie Blasting Cardio Training
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Get cleaning!
Just like running on a treadmill, cleaning the house will make you bend, sweat and give you muscles some pain. You’ll certainly feel better after 2 hours of cleaning the house. You’ll not only burn calories, but you’ll also see clean mirrors and carpets.
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Volunteer and exercise at the same time
If you’re still going to spend some time exercising, why not do something for others as well? Join an environmental group and plant trees, gather the garbage, build homes, or whatever feels right for you.
At the end of the day, you’ll know that you’ve helped others, not just yourself and you’ll certainly feel better about it!
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Join a running group for motivation
Nowadays, there are many runners that workout in groups. That’s because seeing more people going through the same motion makes them more competitive and can even increase endurance levels.
Find the right group for you, where you’ll socialize as well as lose weight doing it.
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Begin your day with a yoga workout session
Once again, the Internet is a marvelous place. Start your day with a healthy juice and put your mat in front of your laptop. Half an hour of yoga in the comfort of your own home will save you the time spent on the road to the gym and make you feel like you can take on the world!
Yoga for complete beginners in 20 minutes:
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Find an app that suits you best
We love apps because they can easily be installed on our cell phones and are designed to remind us when to drink water or calculate how many calories we’ve lost. They can even be used for workout motivation purposes.
There are a lot of free apps that actually give you money if you lose weight, or that keep you going by telling you that zombies are right behind you. Who wouldn’t run from those creatures? So, these apps are funny and useful, at the same time.
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Skate your way around the city
A fun way to move around is by skating. Your thighs will certainly appreciate the workout, and you’ll save time by getting around faster. Do your errands on rollerblades instead of taking the car. You’ll bypass traffic and have fun while feeling the wind on your face.
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Get in shape by walking dogs
Keeping up with a puppy takes training, so unless you’re not an athletic person, start by walking dogs around. You can either offer to help out a friend who doesn’t have the time, or you can earn some extra money by taking care of strangers’ dogs.
Try your luck once in awhile by climbing a hill with a golden retriever. You’ll have fun, feel energized and definitely burn calories.
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Place a treadmill in front of your desk
Sitting down for 8 hours a day will take its toll on your body. Besides gaining weight, your muscles cramp, your back will hurt and your neck will become stiff. Make adjustments to your work zone by lifting your laptop onto a higher table. This will allow you to stand up most of the time, which will improve the blood flow and reduce varicose veins.
Also, you can add a treadmill in front of your laptop, so you’ll keep moving and walking throughout the day.
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Get reacquainted with your bicycle
Traffic takes time and gas costs money, so why not change your means of transportations with a bike? It will probably get you faster to where you need to go, you’ll build muscle mass in your calves and reduce cankles.
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Find a great outdoor gym
Some parks have “playgrounds” for adults as well. Working out and breathing in fresh air is better than getting stuck in a room filled with dozens of sweaty people.
Take your friends with you and enjoy a thorough workout while sitting the sun and getting some vitamin D.
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Have fun with a skipping rope
Don’t dismiss a skipping rope for being too easy if you haven’t tried it since you were a kid. You will notice that jumping up and down becomes tiring once you age and gain more weight.
A ten-minute skipping rope workout will make you lose over 100 calories and sculpt your legs, butt, arms, and chest.
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Swim!
In case you don’t have a pool in your backyard, join a local pool and make it a habit of doing a dozen laps each day. Swimming is an excellent way to work all your muscles and stay fit.
If you’re looking for something more demanding, use ankle weights suitable for water. They’ll definitely boost your resistance and increase muscle mass faster.
Pick the right option for you, but keep in mind that once you move your workout session outdoors, your body will oxygenate better, and you’ll also feel more energized!
A huge part of getting in better shape is paying attention to what you eat. Doing this for a couple of months can result in weight loss without even really doing anything else.
Of course, doing something like CrossFit workouts can really take it to the next level though!