If you don’t like the gym, aren’t in close proximity to one, feel intimidated when you walk in the doors, or just want to mix your workout routine up a bit, there are many other ways to keep your fitness goals in check.
Stream your workouts. Get the latest workouts in the comfort of your own home, office, or hotel room. You can get the latest workouts directly from the pros via the internet or cable on-demand programs. Many applications will offer a free or low cost trial, so that you can check them out before you invest. This is also a great way to see if you like a particular class, for instance, if you were interested in taking a local barre class, but didn’t want to invest in a series until you knew that you liked it. Workouts can be LIVE, from some of the top gyms and trainers throughout the world, or they can be pre-recorded and watched at your convenience.
Best Bets: Studio AKT, LekFIT, Peloton Cycle, and Barre Online
Hit the pavement. Grab your shoes, water, music and go. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a track at the local school, or a local fitness trail, just put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Download the MapMyFitness App and you’ll get a glimpse of the routes in the local area that people are using, and you’ll be able to track your workouts as well.
Wear your workout clothes all day. That is if you don’t have to go to the office, or even if you do, many fashion brands are making workout wear that can double as office wear. If you can get away with it, wearing your workout clothes eliminates the excuse that you have to go change, or you don’t have time to change. All you have to do to get a workout in, is literally step out the door and go for a walk or head out to your favorite activity.
Skip the Golf Cart. If you are going to play golf, skip the cart and walk the course. If you need help with your clubs, get a pull cart, but walking the course will get your extra steps and a good round of exercise in for the day, and help increase your fitness.
Swim. Jump in the water, swim some laps, grab water weights or a noodle and get your cardio, stretching, and workout in while you are in the pool. It’s a bit more fun than the treadmill, and will take the pressure and weight off your body giving you a more relaxing workout. Not sure exactly what to do on your own, take a water aerobics class or check out these exercises from the US Masters Swimming Organization.
Stretch. You don’t always need a high intensity workout in the gym to concur your fitness goals. Sometimes your body just needs a good stretch. Spend 45 minutes moving your muscles and working out the kinks, you can do it outside, in your bedroom, or wherever you have room. Stretching in the pool is also great.
Get Outdoors. Go for a hike or a nature walk. If you are traveling for work, this is a great way to slip some sightseeing in. For those road warriors that are hitting conventions in Las Vegas, Red Rocks is one of the most amazing places to stop in for an early morning hike. Along the coast? Go for a walk on the beach before you head to your meetings. Check out local walking or hiking trails, and if you don’t have time for ten miles, you can probably slip in two.
Head to The Airport. If you are in Sioux Falls, London, or San Francisco, there’s a yoga lounge in your airport. You can spend your layover time stretching and strengthening, or you can spend it at the bar having a cocktail. Your choice. Check your airport map for wellness spots before you head out on your next flight.
Enjoy your workout!
Originally published at medium.com