Ways To Workout If You Hate The Gym

One thing we’ve always been told is how important it is to take care of our bodies and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, however, that can be a struggle, especially when trying to make it to the gym. Whether it’s the stress of everyday life or just not having the time or desire, a lot of us don’t work out, and that affects our health. However, you don’t have to enjoy the gym to get into shape. In fact, if you don’t like the gym, chances are you don’t even have a membership, and if you’re not going to use it, then why pay for one in the first place?

Still, it is important to realize just how vital regular exercise is to your overall health. Refraining from regular exercise can lead to a host of physical health problems down the road such as diabetes, high blood pressure chronic joint pain. Additionally, a lack of exercise has been linked to a higher risk of depression, proving that making time to “move” is also just as essential for your mental health as the physical. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends the average American get either 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. What does this mean? It means you don’t have to strain your mind and your muscles every evening after work to live a healthy lifestyle, just do more than watch television!  So, if you hate exercising but care about your health, try a few of these movements to get your body back to a healthy state.

1. Walking

Yes, walking counts as an exercise. When you walk, you are literally carrying your own bodyweight for whatever distance and time you decide to travel. This means that something as simple as walking can help build muscle and cardiovascular endurance, reduce fat, and even strengthen your bones. Regular walking also increases your heart rate, which ensures better blood circulation and a decrease in future risk of stroke or heart disease. The best part is it can be done anywhere and at any time. Try walking between 10-30 minutes daily before work, after work, or even on your lunch break, and you can easily meet or surpass the recommended weekly exercise.

2. Squatting

Who hates squats? If you let out an audible groan and raised your hand, here’s another question for you: Do you like sitting? Because guess what you must do every time you sit?
Squats are the most functional exercise a person can do and arguably the best exercise someone who hates working out can take part in. When you squat, try not to think of it as an exercise, but rather as the “journey to sitting.” Developing and practicing the squat, even if it is unweighted, will decrease your pain when both standing and sitting, stretch and relax tense muscle and significantly strengthen your legs. And the best part? You don’t even have to do that many to see results.

3. Swimming

Not everyone has access to a pool, but if you do, take advantage! Swimming is classified by many as the perfect workout and not without reason. Soaking in water can help to ease the tension of your muscles while simultaneously relieving pressure off your joints. Even a movement as simple as treading water can make for an intense workout that doesn’t necessarily feel strenuous, making swimming a fantastic exercise that almost anyone, regardless of their level of fitness, can enjoy.

4. Yoga

It doesn’t even feel like exercise – more like stretching and mental focusing – but yoga is a great way to unwind from a tiresome day while still building muscle and lengthening muscle tissues. Yoga classes usually range from 30 – 90 minutes long, giving participants a set block on their busy schedules they can work to plan around. Even if you don’t have the time for a class, you can still pick up a mat for yourself at most retail stores and practice yoga in the comfort of your living room. If for no other reason, give yoga a shot for the Savasana session at the end, which is basically nap time for adults!

5. Take the Stairs

It may seem too simple to be a workout, but after a flight or two, or four, you’ll surely change your mind! Every time there’s a choice between taking an escalator or elevator or the stairs, always opt for the staircase. Not only does it require you to walk, but you are essentially using your legs to lift your bodyweight upward with each step and depending on how many stairs you have to take, you could be in for a fierce workout.

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6. Get a Standing Desk

Most people tend to have a “home office” for personal and business use at home, and believe it or not, you can even help yourself be healthier here, too. Standing desks are a good way to help maintain a healthy lifestyle while still providing adequate space to do work at home. In addition to burning more calories than sitting, standing while working is shown to increase productivity. Or, if you don’t want to fork over the money for one at the store, create your own DIY standing desk using stacked books or a tray with legs. You can also just move your computer to an elevated surface.

7. Fit a Workout in Anywhere

Idle time is good time to fit a workout in, even if it’s nothing more than doing squats while brushing your teeth or lunges while waiting for your morning coffee to brew. Your morning and nighttime beauty routines are easily conducive to squeezing in exercises so just give it a try!
Intense exercise is not for everyone, but that doesn’t give you an excuse not to get out there and move. There are plenty of ways you can exercise without necessarily working out, so do yourself a favor this year and make a resolution to strengthen your body, mind, and soul.

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Are you looking for new ways to work out, but HATE going to the gym? Let us know below!