10 Ways to Exercise Without a Gym Membership
Want some ways to exercise without the extra monthly bill of a gym membership? We got you covered, read below for 10 ways to get moving for free!
Stairs
Stairs are everywhere, you can do this at your house or around your town. Climbing stairs helps lose weight and control your blood pressure. Going up the stairs uses your largest muscle groups to carry your weight, thus being an extremely effective exercise. It is easy to take a few minutes out of your day to do this no matter how hectic your schedule is. You can also listen to music or a podcast while doing this. You can also go at a faster or slower speed depending on what works for you.
Dancing
Dancing helps your cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. Dancing is a fun way to get moving and get in shape. You can try more hip-hop, Zumba, or contemporary dancing depending on what you are interested in. You can do this with a friend and follow along a YouTube tutorial or CD. You can also just turn on your favorite music and see what dance routine you can come up with. You will get better and better the more you practice and try new moves. If you are not a fan of typical workouts, this is for you.
Swimming
Go to your community pool, and if it is warm enough go to a nearby lake or ocean. Swimming helps keep your heart rate up, muscle strength, and lose weight. Swimming is a full body workout and helps tone your muscles. Start with a few laps around the pool and gradually build it up to a speed you like. You can try doing the backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, or any other techniques you want. You can also try diving or flipping in the water if you want to improve your swimming skills. Swimming is a nice way to keep cool and get exercise in at the same time.
Biking
Biking helps improve your heart, lungs and circulation, and defines shape and muscle tone. Biking is a great way to get out in nature and discover new parts of your town. You can bring along a friend with you and you can have a goal of where you want to bike to, like a place to get lunch or sit at the park. You can try biking on a more complicated path going uphill, or you can stick to the flat roads. You will feel better mentally and physically after going for a bike ride.
Cleaning
Cleaning can also have physical benefits such as increasing your heart rate, stretches your muscles, and gets your body moving. You can have an immaculate house and a healthier body by cleaning more often. You can start with smaller sections of your house and start to complete more and more as you go along. If you live with family members or roommates, you can get them to help in the process as well and use it as a chance to talk to them about what is currently going on in your lives.
Playing Sports
Throw around a basketball, a frisbee, a soccer ball, there are so many options. You can do it in your own backyard or the park. You can strengthen your muscles and burn some calories, while having a fun time with your friends. It can be a bonding moment for all of you and help you all stay healthy. You can create teams and make up any type of game you all want, such as knock out or horse. There can also be a dodgeball or four square game.
Hula Hoop
Hula hooping is a way to improve balance, burn calories, and keep your heart rate going. We have all probably hula hooped at some point as a child, and now is the time to bring it back! You can do it outside to some music and get your family and friends involved. You can compete against each other and see who can last the longest. You can also pick out a hula hoop in different colors and designs. You can hula hoop around your waist, arms, legs, wherever you want to work out the most.
Jump Rope
Jump rope improves coordination, flexibility, and decreases belly fat. Jump rope is easy to do in your house or outside. It is also something you can do in a matter of minutes, and while watching television or listening to music. You don’t need to take time learning how to do it or any routine. You can alternate foot jumps, criss-cross, or do high knees. You can also get weighted or beaded jump ropes. It is a simple activity you can add into your routine that will give you great benefits without any need for expensive equipment.
Hiking
Hiking builds stronger muscles and bones, helps heart health, and improves balance. It gives you a chance to spend time in the woods, mountains, wherever you decide to go. It is also an activity you can bring a friend or significant other along for. You will feel less stress and anxiety after going hiking, along with the physical benefits. You can bring your pet with you as well if they want to come along for the hike. You can also go during the sunrise or sunset, that way you can enjoy a better view and get some photos.
Yoga
Yoga improves strength, balance, and flexibility. The deep breathing and slow movements help warm up the muscles and improve blood flow. The stress and tension is released from the body and focus and balance is restored. You can do yoga in your own home, at the park, or if you want to join a group or class. You can watch YouTube tutorials or read guides on how to create a yoga routine. You can also start out by trying some yoga poses and discovering which ones work for you.
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