13 Ways of Staying Fit When There’s No Time to Exercise
Going to the gym isn’t always the best option when you want to work out. In fact, sometimes it just doesn’t make sense at all. Hitting the gym can be costly; both for your bank account and your precious free-time.
Personal trainers can get expensive, and even basic gym memberships can easily amount to hundreds of dollars a year. For those who are fortunate enough to be able to pay for professional assistance, PT’s are great and can definitely be worth the money, but there are many ways to get fit for much less!
Getting to the gym can also cut into your time. It can take several hours a week to get to and from the gym, especially if you tend to go doing rush-hour. And wouldn’t it be great to have the option to just work out in the convenience of your home?
If you’re trying to save time and money, or you’re simply more comfortable working out at home, get fit without a gym by using these tips:
Take advantage of free workout videos. These routines give you a lot of flexibility, as you can do them virtually anywhere, without equipment or a gym.
Walk when possible. Walking is the MOST underrated exercise. Going for a Sunday coffee? Save some gas money by going for a walk. You can also add extra steps to your day by parking further away to walk or by walking around when on the phone. Want to make it fun? Turn walking into a fun social event by inviting your friends or co-workers along for a Monday Mile. If you need more ideas check out these 5 ways to add more steps to your day.
Take the stairs. Elevators are great when you’re going to the 10th floor, but taking the stairs whenever it’s possible can make a big difference on your health. You can even walk up and down the stairs of your own house or apartment building to add a bit of exercise to your day. Did you know that climbing stairs burns more calories per minute than jogging?
Get your hands on some basic fitness equipment. Light dumbbells, a stability ball and jump rope can all be used for a great home-workout. If you can’t afford equipment, ask family or friends if they have any workout equipment lying around that they’re not using.
Get creative. This can actually get really fun. Think of items around the house that weigh more than a pound, but are easy to hold on to. Use them as weights by doing curls or squats. You can also use furniture as exercise equipment; try box squats or step ups on chairs. Get more ideas from these mini workouts!
Do bodyweight exercises. Planks, push-ups, squats, jumping jacks and step-ups are all great ways to get moving!
Make housework exercise time. Cleaning the house is actually a great way to get moving.