Get Active Without Stepping Foot In The Gym

By Francine Fluetsch on June 29, 2014

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image via memegenerator.net

Want to get fit but hate the gym? No problem. I personally need a lot of motivation to step foot in the gym, so I’ve found other fun ways to stay active. Working out doesn’t have to be a drag, and here are some ways to get active without going to the boring old gym.

 Take a class:

image via www.ccn.ac.uk

Colleges offer tons of fun PE classes for you to choose from. Though they may not give you credit, they will add a fun activity to your schedule and will keep you active. Classes will motivate you to go, since you are paying for it and a lot of the time, the teacher takes attendance. Plus, the class will be so fun, so you won’t want to miss it! It’s a mandatory workout built into your schedule, unlike the gym where you can always find an excuse not to go.

These classes will be a good break from your regular school classes, and will give you a way to de-stress. I always opt for the dance classes, which are a blast as well as a great workout. From self-defense to yoga, you are bound to find a class of interest. Heck, why not crash a few and see which one you like most? Or take multiple for an extra workout.

Walk to class:

image via www.pacific.edu

Walking to class instead of driving or taking the bus is built-in exercise that you don’t even have to think about. Power walking is a great way to tone up, and since you have to go to class anyway, it’s not any extra effort on your part. Take the stairs instead of using the elevator too. To make this more fun, get some new music on your I-pod and jam out while you walk. Getting some fresh air is as good for your mind as it is for your body.

Exercise tapes:

image via gamerinvestments.com

Jillian Michaels is insane when it comes to her workouts, but that’s the reason she has such a rockin’ body. I have her cardio kickboxing tape, which is only a 20-minute workout, but you’ll be feeling the burn at the end. Tapes are great for when you don’t have a lot of time but want to get that workout in. You can do it in the safety of your own home, so no one will see you doing the silly workouts.

If you don’t want to buy a workout tape, there are tons of great workouts on YouTube that you can follow along to and see which ones work for you. The best thing to do is to switch it up, so you don’t get bored and your body is always working new muscles.

To make it more fun, get a group together and do the tapes in a lounge or something. You’ll be laughing at how silly you all look, and having a blast while blasting that fat away.

 Go swimming:

image via en.wikipedia.org

Swimming is a great way to get a full body workout and have fun at the same time. If swimming laps isn’t your thing, no problem! Playing pool games with your friends will work too, and you won’t even notice you are working out. If you want to try swimming laps but don’t know how, check out the swimming classes available. They always have ones for beginners.

Swimming can also help you get better at running. Controlling your breathing will help when you go on a run, and swimming helps build the muscles that will make it feel easier.

 Get in touch with your inner yogi:

image via massageyogawellness.com

Doing some yoga when you wake up and before you go to bed (or whenever you find the time) is a great way to tone yourself up and feel great. If you need a quick fix but don’t want to get all sweaty, yoga is the perfect option. It will help you feel more relaxed and there are different positions to tone up different areas. The beauty about yoga is you can do it pretty much anywhere—in the safety of your bedroom if you’re shy, or outside with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair.

Pinterest to the rescue:

image via sneakertherapy.wordpress.com

Pinterest has a health and fitness section, with great workout tips that you can do right at home. From abs to booties, you can find abundant ways to work out without going to the gym. This will give you a way to vary your workout, and try different things. You can go through and like/pin all the ones that look interesting, so you’ll have them for later.

They also offer clean eating habits and motivational quotes to keep you on track. And no, not just veggies and stuff, but also healthy snacks and good ways to spend your cheat meals.

As you can see, the gym is so yesterday (read in a valley girl accent). The gym is not for everyone and that’s okay. Whether you are walking to class, kickboxing with Jillian, doing downward dog before class, or dancing your heart out, you are staying active and getting healthy. Your body will thank you for it. Happy exercising!

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