Going to the gym is not the only way to get in shape or even just to remain active. Here are ten full proof ways to stay moving without having to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
Use your local sidewalks or trails for cardio activities.
This can include walking, running, biking, skating, or whatever it is that takes you from point a to point b. Cardio is excellent for the heart especially, which is a significant concern with insufficient activity levels.
Trail running is a great alternative to public running if you are particular about taking to the streets. There is a sense of seclusion and privacy from this habit, and it can be refreshing to be in nature and around serene views. That in itself tends to feel motivating regarding improving your health.
One of the best ways to get moving is to ensure you don’t have sore muscles or joints while you are working out or after. Knowing you are going to be pain-free is a great motivator to getting started. One natural remedy many turn to to reduce joint and muscle pain is tart cherry juice.
It takes the juice of 100 cherries to make this all-natural, anti-inflammatory drink. In fact, tart cherry juice is fast becoming the drink of choice to reduce joint pain naturally. The reason is simple. This ruby-red drink is pack full of naturally occurring anthocyanins. These are natural compound that stop the pain signals going to your brain.
So enjoying a glass of tart cherry daily will help you enjoy pain-free joints and muscles.
Invest in a fitness mat and start practicing with video tutorials.
Whether you rent a DVD from the library or watch some YouTube instructions, video tutorials are beneficial. If you find use from this idea, consider signing up for virtual classes.
They tend to be less stressful as we can block our screens or adjust our camera angle to be fixated in more appealing locations. This sense of control and safety of your physical activity is essential for it to benefit your mental state and not create apprehension.
Use your indoor stairs or public stairs.
This is not something that everyone can do, as we don’t all have indoor stairs. As useful as a stair climber can be, the real thing is just as handy. You can utilize stairs in your home if you have them or find a local spot where foot traffic is limited and can pace comfortably. The up and down may seem tedious, but no more or less than what is found at the gym.
Practice balancing movement during sedentary activities.
For example, when you are at work, make it a point to walk to the furthest away bathroom or use your lunch break to talk brisk walks or quick runs. Our lives’ demands may not be adjustable in every way, but that does not remove the opportunity to become creative as to how we fit in these new ideas and intentions around movement.
Create social get-togethers around being active rather than for passive activities.
This means instead of going out for a movie, maybe you and your friends go for a hike. This transition is simple and beneficial to everyone.
Take up a new hobby that includes activity.
Biking, skating, skiing, hula-hooping, dancing, and so on are great hobbies that can be of both emotional and physical benefit. Some may require a class, while others you can rent the needed equipment before you make any investment in gear.
Make movement pacts with yourself.
This includes adjusting behavior around your daily activities, such as remaining consistent with the practice of walking when talking on the phone. Other examples include taking breaks during work to walk the stairs briskly or to do a yoga flow by the desk, or even doing squats while you’re waiting for food to cook. Taking time for your needs regarding movement, as well as remaining consistent with the approach towards the deeper, long-term value of it is a great way to avoid the gym while also staying proactive about being active.
Walk or ride a bike to local errands.
This is not in everyone’s scope, but it may be possible to walk to the grocery store rather than to drive in some situations. If this is the case, then tie those lases and take advantage of it. If walking isn’t effective enough, consider riding a bike or rollerblading. Both are much quicker yet use very similar bodily systems as th that of walking/running.
Exercise from home.
This is straightforward and much more accessible than we realize. There are so many ways to exercise with just your body, not equipment or gear needed (besides appropriate attire for a comfortable experience).
Watching videos on movements or checking out a book at the local library can help provide visuals of the best exercises for the space you have and the bodily needs that need to be addressed. Working out from home is liberating and demanding all at once but is just as effective if you are doing it with enough endurance and consistency.
Check out these low-impact exercise videos.
Begin and end the day with yoga or stretches.
Beginning the day with a good movement practice is very beneficial to the mind and the body, especially when trying to gain the skill set of being more active. Becoming accustomed to increased daily movement does not happen overnight, so this is great for better habit-building.
There are more than enough ways to remain active from home. Going to the gym is beneficial, but it indeed isn’t the only option for movement and activity. Utilize this list as a reference while considering that there are countless ways to create a routine of movement without including a trip to the gym.
