These days it is easy to think that becoming a gym rat is the only way to get the body of your dreams. I get it… social media is filled with images of toned women killing it in the gym, so why wouldn’t you think that hours at the gym is the answer. The truth is, for some women, it is the answer, but for others, it simply isn’t. I am a part of the other group. The group who can hit the gym once or maybe even twice a week, but gets absolutely bored of it after that. And boredom leads to feeling unmotivated which turns into not going at all. Luckily for us “others”, a gym isn’t the only way to a healthy fit life and body. I prefer activities that’ll get you in shape that don’t involve the gym.
There are so many other things you can do to reach your goals besides hitting the weights or treadmills. So, if you are like me and can only tolerate the gym rather than thrive in it, check out the list below for some great alternative activities that’ll get you in shape.
I know that the serious cyclists are going to call me out for not labeling this “cycling”, but I have my reasons. The most important one is that you don’t have to have a 1 pound professional bike to have this activity be your healthy habit. I have a cruiser from Wal-Mart that is my ride or die in the summer months. It burns calories just like the expensive ones do, so who’s really winning here? With the increase in popularity around cycling, you don’t even need good weather to do it, just hit up your local studio (not gym).
Say it with me, “I don’t need a class to do yoga”. I started doing yoga randomly on my own at home. I had been following some yoga accounts on social media that had peaked my interest so I decided to copy what they were doing. While this isn’t what I would recommend to the yoga newbie, the point is that you shouldn’t let your fear of going to a yoga class stop you from trying it out. YouTube a couple of sessions to see if it is right for you.
Unless you live in the middle of New York City, there are probably hundreds of trail in your area that you don’t even know about. Hiking is a great way to train your legs and lungs while enjoying some fresh air… and most of the time you don’t even feel like you are working out.
I use to hate walking, I thought it was for old people, but now I am such a fan. I think walking is so underrated. Think about it; you can do it literally anywhere, you only need sneakers, you can take your dog, and it’s enjoyable. Incorporating walking into your daily life can do wonders for your body and mind. A lot of these activities that’ll get you in shape can be done just about anywhere.
Yes, this requires equipment and a little bit of training, but it is such a good workout! You work your arms, legs, and core without even thinking about it because you are only thinking about your route up the wall. If you are looking to transform your body and find a new hobby, rock climbing should be at the top of your list.
I was going to put surfing on this list, but I live in Alaska and that just wouldn’t be my area of expertise, but kayaking is another story. You can get a kayak pretty cheap these days, and a lot of places on bodies of water rent them. They are much tougher than you think, so be prepared for sore arms and abs the next day.
If someone would have told me in high school that I would one day call myself a runner, I would have laughed in his face. But the truth is, after high school, I had a huge hole that use to be filled with hours of soccer practice and basketball games, and while adult leagues are great, they just didn’t work for me. So I started jogging (notice I didn’t say running). Running gets a bad rap because people think you need to be able to crush 6 miles a day, but that just isn’t the case. Running is something you can do anywhere, at any time, and at any speed.
If you haven’t heard about acro yoga, you’ve probably been living under a rock… or don’t have a phone. Acro is like yoga and wings. It is a bit more intense and requires an adventurous attitude especially for the flyer, but it is a hell of a workout and is super fun. If you have a buddy who is willing to try this with you, even better because you can do it at home or outside. But please please go to a local jam first to get your feet wet and learn the basics.
I had no idea what bouldering was until last year, but I am already hooked. It is kind of like rock climbing without the rope. So yeah it can be scary and you should always be safe and cautious. However, when done correctly, bouldering is a crazy good workout. Plus, it can be done out in nature or at a local rock gym… with large pads beneath you. There are some super fun activities that’ll get you in shape that don’t involve the gym!
This is my passion so I have to include it. If you are an adrenaline junkie, love heights, and want to be challenged physically, look up aerial silks.
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