A Few Ways to Stay Fit Without Going To The Gym

Staying fit can be difficult for a variety of reasons. The time commitment that is needed to go to the gym, and the cost of joining are both huge obstacles for many people.

There are also quite a few people that don't feel safe enough to go to the gym. Even though the vast majority of gyms have made it as safe as possible by screening members and keycard access, the risk of being infected or catching Covid is still.

I bring this up not to scare, but to point out that if you are one of the people who want to stay fit in an alternative way, rather than going to the gym, this article is for you.

In a few short minutes, I will show you some ways to stay healthy and get your heart rate up from home or outside without ever going near a gym.

Take a Splash

Whether you're at the beach, by a lake or river, in your own backyard pool, or some other body of water-based activity is bound to help take your mind off things.

Not only will they get you outside and moving around but being immersed in the refreshing water also provides many health benefits.

• Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) surfing - There are very few better ways to tune your core and stay fit than with a SUP. It's also a low-impact activity that can be done solo or as part of a group fitness class. Similar to stand-up paddleboarding, the same benefits and health advantages are gained from this combination of spots and yoga poses on the water surface.
• Surfing - Easy to try but difficult to master, this lifelong sport strengthens your entire body, improves your balance, and increases your stamina. Surfing - Surfing is an all-around, high-intensity workout that is great for your cardiovascular health as it helps to improve lung capacity while developing and toning muscles.
• Swimming - If you're looking to burn calories, tone your muscles and improve cardio-respiratory health, then swimming is the best way to get fit.
• Water Volleyball - Very few people think of water volleyball as a great workout, but if it's done right there are plenty of opportunities for intense activity. The game is played in the water and requires all players to stay in constant motion due to waves. This makes it one of the best sports out there when looking for fun ways to get fit without going to the gym.
• Water aerobics - Whether you find a local class or purchase an inflatable raft, water aerobics is a great way to get fit. It combines the best of land-based aerobic exercise and weight training while also being low impact on joints because it takes place in the buoyant environment of deep water.

Stroll Through Nature

There are so many trails and health retreats in your area that offer a change of pace from the hustle-bustle of city life.

Whether you're looking for an outdoor jog or just some time to enjoy nature, there's something out there waiting for you.

• Rock climbing - This sport builds strength in the arms, back, and core. It also improves balance by getting you closer to nature via a rock wall or bouldering.
• Hiking - It's amazing what a little bit of sunshine and fresh air can do for your mood, not to mention the physical benefits. Take advantage of those trails at work or in your neighborhood by getting on one as often as you can. Start on easy treks and work your way up to more difficult hikes.
• Bike riding - Explore the great outdoors and get some exercise at the same time. Biking is a fantastic way to get outside and feel the wind on your face, as well as build strength in your legs and arms.
• Kayaking - This sport requires balance, core strength, and endurance for paddling against currents or waves--benefits that translate nicely into other areas of life.
• Jogging - Probably the most popular way to stay fit outside of the gym, jogging is a great cardiovascular exercise that can also improve stamina and muscle tone over time. It also doesn't cost anything, other than some time.
• Yoga - If you're looking for a low-impact form of exercise with an emphasis on mindfulness, yoga may be perfect for you. You'll get a solid workout while stretching your body in new ways. It can also be carried out outside which is even better.

Speed Walking

Not as popular as jogging but just as good, speed walking is a great form of cardiovascular exercise. It's also cheaper than jogging because all you need to buy are some supportive shoes and clothes that make it easier for your body to move freely.

Normally associated with the older generation, but a lot more people of all ages are starting to get into it as the benefits become more well-known.

You can either take a walk around the neighbourhood or venture further out into the countryside.

The benefits of speed walking are:

* It can be done anytime and anywhere - All you need is to wear some supportive shoes and clothes. It's also cheaper than jogging because all you need are a pair of good sneakers.

If you're one of those people that doesn't want to sweat too much then speed walking is for you. Even though you're able to increase your speed, there's no need to worry about your clothes and shoes getting wet with sweat.

You can stay fit without feeling like you're working too hard - some people find that they are able to increase their pace as they get fitter but it is still considered a low impact activity which means it doesn't put much strain on the joints

* Less sudden movements of the joints, so it's easier on your body - One of the common complaints from people that run is that their knees get a bit sore. There's also more chance of picking up a  strain or injury

Walking is also an efficient form of exercise because it burns calories but also uses more muscle groups, so you're able to use up the energy that you've taken in from your food and not store it as fat.

* Low-intensity workouts - These are all the rage for a good reason - they can give you the same benefits of high-intensity workouts, but with less risk of injury and more time to get it done.

* You still burn a decent amount of calories - Burning calories is key to losing weight, and any movement counts. You can even get a good workout in by vacuuming the house, believe it or not?

The only downside is that if you live in an area with heavy traffic, earplugs are recommended as cars you can suffer from noise pollution.

Play Sports

Here's a list of sports you can play instead of going to the gym:

* Frisbee - Not as popular as the other sports on the list, but it's a great form of exercise that requires you to move around and use your arms too.

* Golf - A lot more people are taking up golf these days because they're studying how their performance on the course affects their health in areas such as stamina and flexibility.

* Tennis - A sport that allows you to play outside with no need to go to the gym. You either need to go out in your backyard or get a membership at the tennis courts.

* Basketball - A great sport for getting your heart rate up and also honing in on hand-eye coordination skills.

The list of sports goes on, but these are just a few to get you started if the gym is getting too much!

Wrapping Up

If a gym membership is too expensive there are plenty of ways that you can stay fit without going to the gym.

The amount you pay for a gym membership can go up to £500+ per year.

For a lot of people, that's just too much money to be spending on when they're on a tight budget.

You may also want to stay well clear from the gym since we've only just come out of a lockdown.

Even though the vast majority have now been vaccinated, it's still better safe than sorry.

Just how clean can you get a piece of equipment in a gym and how long does it last for?

Unless they are carrying out a deep clean after every use, the equipment will not stay sanitary for long.

Take a splash with friends at the pool, stroll through nature by taking a hike in one of many parks, speed walking, and playing sports will all keep your heart pumping while improving muscle strength and endurance.